Kudos to Tour of Rwanda organisers, competitors

The 2013 Tour of Rwanda concluded yesterday after a week of tough racing across the Land of a Thousand Hills, during which the Yellow Jersey exchanged hands several times, with a couple of riders winning at least a stage in the international seven-leg tour.This year’s race was not without twists and turns, with early title favourite, Jay Robert Thomson, pulling out of the race in the third leg due to illness, effectively handing initiative to close rivals.As the roller-coaster Tour came to an end yesterday, South Africa’s Dylan Girdlestone was crowned the champion.The race presented an opportunity to emerging young riders to showcase their potential to the world of cycling, and these include our very own 19-year old Valens Ndayisenga who became the youngest Rwandan rider ever to win any stage in Tour of Rwanda.The youngster won the 151.2-kilometre long Stage Two (Rwamagana-Musanze), the most grueling of all the stages in Tour of Rwanda 2013, in an incredible four hours, six minutes and 44 seconds.For his exploits in the race Ndayisaba was Sunday recognised as the most promising rider in the competition.The Tour covered different parts of Rwanda with citizens lining up the streets not just to cheer on the homeboys but all the riders in the race because they represented the spirit of togetherness in diversity.But the annual competition also represents Rwanda’s rebirth; it is a demonstration of a country on the move, away from its tragic past to a bright future.Notably, the 2013 edition was well organised during each stage which underlines the efficiency of the organisers and the other players involved.Congratulations to the Rwanda Cycling Federation, the Ministry of Sports and Culture, sponsors and all the other stakeholders who have helped turn Tour of Rwanda a global competition, now attracting professional cyclists from all corners of the world.To the riders, at individual, Country and Club level, we are grateful for your contribution in cementing Tour of Rwanda as a highly competitive and important race on the world sports calendar.To the local cycling stars, in particular, your performance in the Fifth edition of Tour of Rwanda, has proved that hard work and consistency pay off. At this pace, the sky is the limit for Rwanda’s cycling. Well done!

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Kudos to Tour of Rwanda organisers, competitors