Team Rwanda riders resume preps for Tour du Rwanda

Team Rwanda riders have vowed to put behind what has happened in the last few days and concentrate on winning the Tour du Rwanda scheduled for November 15 to 22. The riders, who had gone on strike over insurance money, have since returned to the centre and resumed training. It is reported that all the 14 riders returned to Team Rwanda training camp at the Africa Rising Cycling Center in Musanze after apologizing to the Rwanda Cycling Federation, and dropping their demands. “We had our problems but after holding fruitful talks with the leaders, we decided to return to camp, and we are ready to give our best to make our country proud again,” reigning Tour du Rwanda champion, Valens Ndayisenga told Times Sport on Wednesday. He added, “The problem has been addressed and the riders will continue to work towards their original goal of winning the Tour du Rwanda and we feel very confident that they will achieve that goal.” The riders’ decision to return to camp followed a meeting with Rwanda Cycling Federation president Aimable Bayingana, the Ministry of Sports and Culture Permanent Secretary Edward Kalisa as well as Olympian Adrien Niyonshuti on Monday. According to the outcome of the meeting, FERWACY promised to meet the riders’ demands to be insured all-year round and not only during competitions. Last week, the riders were cautioned against holding the federation at ransom and it was agreed that in the future, any disagreements should be solved through dialogue. Meanwhile, Team Rwanda Cycling technical director Jonathan Boyer said, “What has happened these last few days is nothing short of miraculous.” “There have been many misunderstandings and much misinformation but in the end it was an effort of many people including the riders that brought us all together to come to a common ground and realize that we all wanted the same thing,” he noted. Riders of the three Team Rwanda teams will use the new bikes which were given to them by President Paul Kagame. *************************** Team Rwanda teams: Karisimbi: Patrick Byukusenge, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, Jean Bosco Nsengimana, Valens Ndayisenga and Janvier Hadi (captain). Reserve: Aimee Mpenzi. Muhabura: Ephrem Tuyishimire, Emile Bintunimana, Camera Hakuzimana, Gasore Hategeka and Nathan Byukusenge (captain) Akagera: Jean Claude Uwizeye, Jeremie Karegeya, Joseph Biziyaremye, Joseph Areruya and Abraham Ruhumuriza (captain) editorial@newtimes.co.rw