Tour du Rwanda starts today as Morocco pull out at last minute

2017 Tour du Rwanda stages Nov. 12: Prologue: 3.3kmNov. 13: Stage 1 Kigali-Huye 120.3km+ 4 categorized climbsNov. 14: Stage 2 Nyanza- Rubavu 180km+ 6 categorized climbsNov. 15: Stage 3 Rubavu-Musanze 95km+ 1 massive categorized climbNov. 16: Stage 4 Musanze-Nyamata 121km+ 4 categorized climbsNov. 17: Stage 5 Nyamata-Rwamagana 93.1km+ 3 categorized climbsNov. 18: Stage 6 Kayonza-Kigali 86.3km+ 4 categorized climbs (including the infamous “Mur de Kigali”)Nov. 19: Stage 7 Kigali-Kigali 120km+ 10 categorized climbs (one per lap of the circuit) Morocco national cycling team has withdrawn from this year’s 9th edition of Tour du Rwanda which starts today with the traditional Prologue and will run until November 19. Tour du Rwanda 2015 winner, Jean Bosco Nsengimana, Minister Julienne Uwacu and FERWACY president Aimable Bayingana celebrate the victory. / Sam Ngendahimana On the first day, riders will compete in the 3.3km stretch from Amahoro National Stadium-Kimironko-Amahoro National Stadium, before heading to Southern Province tomorrow in Huye District for stage one that will cover a total distance of 120.3km. The winner of the first day will start the opening stage wearing the Yellow Jersey in the race expected to be categorised by climbs and stunning scenery, going through different parts of the country. Team Rwanda riders hold a message to the President after winning Tour du Rwanda 2015. / Sam Ngendahimana South African rider Dylan Girdlestone with his teammates celebrate Tour du Rwanda 2013 title. / Sam Ngendahimana Morocco’s withdrawal was confirmed yesterday morning by the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) president, Aimable Bayingana. This reduced the number of participating teams to 15, including five national teams, five UCI continental teams and five club teams. “Today (Saturday) we have been informed by Morocco that their team will not be able to take part in this year’s Tour du Rwanda. They did not disclose the reasons behind but that cannot change our plan,” Bayingana told Sunday Sport. Morocco are the second team to pull out of the event following Japan’s Cycling Academy, who had earlier registered, but later withdrew on Thursday. Team Rwanda supporter Rwarutabura cheers on the winner of Tour du Rwanda 2015. / Sam Ngendahimana Team Rwanda supporters lift up Valens Ndayisenga celebrate the crucial victory of Tour du Rwanda 2014 title. / Sam Ngendahimana Bayingana admitted that the withdrawal of the two teams will not affect their plans to organise a successful event. The 2017 Tour du Rwanda will cover a total distance of 819km, and for the second consecutive year, will reach in all the four provinces of the country and Kigali. After becoming part of UCI Africa Tour in 2009, Valens Ndayisenga made history by becoming the first Rwandan rider to win the race in 2014 and since then Rwandan riders have mastered the race. Valens Ndayisenga joined by his teammates, former Minister Joseph Habineza and FERWACY boss Aimable Bayingana to celebrate Tour du Rwanda 2014 title. / Sam Ngendahimana Jean Bosco Nsengimana won the 2015 edition and Ndayisenga repeated the 2014 feat last year, making him the first rider ever to win the annual race more than once. A total of 75 cyclists grouped in 15 teams from across the world, will for eight days, compete for the yellow jersey. National Teams1. Rwanda2. Mauritius3. Ethiopia4. Eritrea5. Algeria UCI Continental Teams1. Dimension Data for Qhubeka (South Africa)2. Tirol Cycling Team (Austria)3. Team Bike Aid (Germany)4. Team Illuminate (USA)5. DuklaBanskaBystrica (Slovakia) Club Teams1. Club Benediction de Rubavu (Rwanda)2. Club Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagama (Rwanda)3. Team Lowestrates.com (Canada)4. Team Haute-Savoie/Auvergne (France)5. Team Kenya Riders Safaricom (Kenya) editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Tour du Rwanda starts today as Morocco pull out at last minute