Thousands turn out for Tour du Rwanda prologue

Thousands of spectators lined the streets around Amahoro National Stadium to cheer cyclists during the prologue of the 2016 Tour of Rwanda on Sunday. The annual UCI Africa Tour 2.2 road race is the biggest sporting event. The Amahoro arena was the starting and finishing point for the riders during the 3.3km race. Cycling fans come at a big number to enjoy the race. / Faustin Niyigena The Minister for Culture and Sports, Julienne Uwacu, speaking during the opening ceremony, said the Tour was a very important race because it attracted many fans and riders from different parts of the world. Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy) boss Aimable Bayingana said he was happy with the day’s turnout of fans. “It’s a race that goes through different provinces and towns once a year and the crowds are growing bigger with each edition. It’s a unique sport - it’s free and you can get really close to action.” Fans screamed, waved flags and cheered the riders on, even as they were kept at bay by barricades. A helicopter and a drone also hovered over the crowds to ensure everything went according to plan. Cycling fans look on as a rider pedals past University of Rwanda’s College of Education in Kimironko. / Faustin Niyigena Besides the race, a special caravan by the competition’s sponsors entertained the fans as it moved ahead of the cyclists. American national Timothy Rugg, riding for debutants Team LowestRates.Ca of Canada, won the prologue after clocking 04’25’’, while Rwanda’s Joseph Areruya, riding for Les Amis Sportif de Rwamagama, finished in third place. Defending champion Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Rwandan riding for German UCI Continental Team Stradalli Bike Aid) came in fifth place, while the 2014 winner Rwandan Valens Ndayisenga (riding for South Africa’s Dimension Data for Qhubeka) came in sixth place – with his club teammate Eritrean Aman Werkilul Ghebreigzabhier, finishing in second. editorial@newtimes.co.rw