RWANDAN top rider Adrien Niyonshuti is so influential that Rwanda Cycling Federation had to reschedule this year’s Tour of Kigali in order to ensure his participation.According to the body’s permanent secretary, Emmanuel Murenzi, the competition has been moved from October 14 to 21. Niyonshuti is the defending champion."He is the champion, so it’s very important that he’s given a chance to defend his title, that is why we changed the dates to suit his schedule in South Africa,” Murenzi told Times Sport. The officials noted that on October 14, the initial date for Tour of Kigali, Niyonshuti, who rides for MTN Qhubeka Team, has another competition in South Africa.However, two Team Rwanda members Janvier Hadi and Joseph Biziyaremye will not take part in Tour of Kigali as they are still undergoing training in South Africa, at Centre Mondiale of Cycling until October 28. Local teams expected to take part in the annual race include; Benediction Club, Rapide, Satellite, Les Amis Sportifs, Fly Club, Cycling Club for All, Kiramuruzi Cycling team, Cine Elmay and Abahizi. Last year, over 60 riders took part in the race and the winner pocketed Rwf0.3m, while first and second runners-up settled for Rwf0.25m and Rwf0.2m, respectively.Meantime, this year’s Tour of Rwanda is planned for November 18, and a total of 15 teams will compete for the top prize. Rwanda will be represented by Akagera and Kalisimbi teams, with both sides fielding 12 riders. There will also be African national teams, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Morocco, Algeria, Cameroon and Gabon.Foreign teams include, Team Quebecor Garneau (Canada), Team Reine Blanche Rhone Alpes (France), Equipe Regionale de la Reunion (France), Team AVIA Flanders (Belgique), SANOFI Team Type 1 (USA), Team MTN Quebeka (South Africa). The eight-day event will cover a total distance of 876 kilometres which will be divided in eight stages.