2016 Tour du Rwanda winner, Valens Ndayisenga has predicted a bright future for youngster Samuel Mugisha, describing him as the next biggest name in Rwandan cycling. The 18-year-old made an impressive debut in Tour du Rwanda, riding for Rubavu-based Benediction Club—he won the overall best climber jersey. The youngster collected a total of 87 points in six stages, followed by Ethiopian Giday Kibrom Hailay with 27 points while his Benediction Club teammate Patrick Byukusenge, finished in third place with 20 points. “He has made a good start, at only 18 years and being able to win the best climber jersey, is not only good for him but also for Rwanda,” Ndayisenga said after winning this year’s race, for his second Tour title after 2014. Ndayisenga added that, “The future is bright for Mugisha because he is developing well and most importantly, he has the right people around to help take his career to a higher level.” Ndayisenga has increased the number of his stage victories on the Tour du Rwanda with four victories, since he made a debut in 2013, equalling the record held by the Eritrean Mekseb Debesay and the American Kiel Reijnen. “I know that the records are important but for me what is even more important is to win the day before the final. This was the biggest goal of my season and I am happy that I have been able to achieve it,” said the 22-year-old Rwamagana native. A total of 74 riders in 15 teams started this year’s Tour du Rwanda but 18 of them, including Rwandans Joseph Biziyaremye (Team Rwanda) and Mathieu Twizerane (Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana), failed to finish. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
