Axel Baumans and Pierre de Froidmont, riding for Team Orbea, were again unstoppable on Tuesday when they commanded the second stage of the Rwandan Epic 2024, reaffirming their dominance in the grueling mountain bike race. The Belgian riders, who won together the prologue on Monday, crossed the finish line in Musanze after 4 hours and 34 minutes, cementing their lead in the race. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Belgian duo wins prologue as Rwandan Epic 2024 kicks off The stage started in Nyirangarama and concluded at the Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) featuring a challenging 95.5-kilometer route that pushed riders to their limits. Germany’s Daniel Gathof and Peter Schermann followed nine minutes later, while Rwandans Didier Munyaneza and Banzi Bukhari came in third place, 16 minutes behind the winners. In the women’s category, Rwanda’s Marthe Ntakirutimana teamed up with Belgian Siska Marrécau to claim stage two, clocking 6 hours, 30 minutes, and 4 seconds. The mixed-pair race victory went to Spaniards Oscar Pujol and Mude Rodriguez who crossed the finish line after 5 hours, 54 minutes, and 19 seconds, overcoming challenge from Rwandans Xaverine Nirere and Eric Muhoza who finished in second place. German solo rider Hannes Ebersbächer took top honors in his category, clocking 5 hours, 53 minutes, and 28 seconds. Against all odds, he won the stage, despite tough challenge from Rwandan rider Jean Félix Irimaso how came close in second place. The race continues Wednesday, October 23, with riders taking on a 54.9-kilometer “Twin Lakes” route, offering breathtaking views of Burera and Ruhondo lakes.
