Cyclists return home

Rwanda’s cycling teams that took part in the girding eight day Absa Cape-epic series in South Africa has returned home. In the event that was won by German pair of Karl Platt and Stefan Shan, Rwanda entered two teams of two riders each. Team A included Abraham Ruhumuriza and Nyandwi Uwase while team B had Jean de Dieu Rafiki and Coach Tom Ritchey. The eight stage event of 683km, saw Team A finishing in 48th position after clocking 37 hours, 16 minutes and 42 seconds while Rafiki and Ritchery finished eight adrift in 56th position after clocking 38 hours, 4 minutes and 19 seconds. Former Team Rwanda rider, Andre Niyonshuti who has now switched his allegiance to MTN Energade finished a respectable 18th overall after clocking 31 hours, 40 minutes and 25 seconds. Another Rwandan, Nathan Byukusenge who rides for African Continental Center finished in 32nd position in a time of 35 hours, 5 minutes and 32 seconds. German pair of Karl Platt and Stefan Shan won the championship after clocking 28 hours, 10 minutes and 13 seconds while Bart Brentiens and Chris Jongewaard of Holland finished second in a time of 28 hours, 15 minutes and 7 seconds. Swiss pair of Emily Lindgren and Andreas Kugler finished in third position after clocking 28 hours, 28 minutes and 42 seconds respectively. The local cycling body’s secretary general Emmanuel Murenzi said the results were very encouraging. “The boys did well, and they have now gained experience after participating in two separate tournaments this year.” “The Absa cape epic event was the third event for the Rwandans to participate in following the Amissa Bongo in Gabon and the Tour of Egypt,” Murenzi told Times Sport. Ends

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Cyclists return home