Aleluya upbeat ahead of int’l debut at Tour do Rio

Today Rio to Angra (158km), 4 pm (CAT) Team Rwanda Cycling teenage sensation Joseph Aleluya is buoyant ahead of today’s stage one of the Tour do Rio from Rio de Janeiro to Angra, a total distance of 158km. Competing in his first international race, the Rwamagana-born Aleluya is keen on making a mark and helping his team register a good performance at the 25th event of the 2.2 UCI America Tour. “We have been competing in several local competitions and I feel ready to compete against professional riders in Brazil. We shall work together as a team and make sure we make our country proud,” said Aleluya in an interview with Times Sport. At 19 years, Aleluya is the youngest rider on the team and expects to learn a lot from captain Janvier Hadi and Joseph Biziyaremye, who competed in this race in 2012. Aleluya represented Rwanda at last year’s Africa Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana. Hadi said, “The young riders like Aleluya and Camera (Hakuzimana) will gain a lot of experience from this competition and we have already briefed them on what to expect.” Coach Sterling Magnell said in an exclusive interview that, “His teammates are guiding him (Aleluya) through the basics. I have briefed all of them. The principles are the same for the rookie and the veteran; pay attention, be punctual and stay in the front.” He added after their training session last evening that, “The weather is cool and humid just like it is at the Africa Rising Cycling Centre in Musanze. The riders are happy and enjoying the adventure.” He also noted that, “It is going to be wild, nervous, high energy and an undulating circuit. We will focus on staying out of trouble and putting either Camera, Joseph Aleluya or Janvier Hadi in a breakaway while saving Joseph Biziyaremye for the sprint.” Hadi emphasised that, “The first time we went to Brazil, it was a bit difficult for us but this time round we are ready for the challenge. We shall come up against professional riders but we have raced in very high level races ever since and that gives us an advantage.” The other team members include Western Circuit champion Patrick Byukusenge and Northern Circuit winner Jean Bosco Nsengimana, both strong climbers that are expected to flourish in tomorrow’s stage 2 from Angra to Valenca, a total distance of 175km. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Sports

Aleluya upbeat ahead of int’l debut at Tour do Rio