Niyonshuti, Ndayisenga eye podium finish in Africa cycling champs

Professional rider Adrien Niyonshuti and reigning Tour du Rwanda winner Valens Ndayisenga hope to win a medal in today’s individual time trial at the ongoing Africa continental cycling championships in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The Rwandan pair will be up against the continent’s toughest riders including the Eritrean duo of Daniel Teklehaimanot and Natnael Berhane but the former have revealed that they are determined to make a podium finish. Teklehaimanot, four-time winner of the men’s individual time trial at the continental event will give Niyonshuti and Ndayisenga a tough challenge. In an exclusive interview with Times Sport, Ndayisenga who won the prologue stage at the Tour of Egypt last month in Hurghada said, “My main goal is to be on the podium. It is a dream I have and I intend to execute it.” Team Rwanda Cycling head coach Jonathan ‘Jock’ Boyer mentioned that, “I am so excited about the men’s individual time trial because it has attracted the best riders on the continent. It will be a chance for Valens to test himself and see how he fares against the top riders. Adrien has a lot of experience and looks good.” Boyer hailed Niyonshuti’s inclusion on the team and said that the rest of the team is learning a lot from his experience and exposure. “He has been very helpful especially with Samuel Mugisha, the junior rider, telling him what to do and how to go about everything,” Boyer said. Niyonshuti rides professionally for MTN Qhubeka in South Africa and his current fine form and fitness has placed him in the limelight for top honours in today’s competition. According to Kimberly Coats, who is the team manager, today’s course is long and hilly with cross winds and headwinds. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Niyonshuti, Ndayisenga eye podium finish in Africa cycling champs