Riders switch focus to tour of Rwanda

Tour of Rwanda (Nov. 17-25)Stage one (Wednesday)Kigali-Kabarondo-Kigali (162km) RWANDA’s ace rider Adrien Niyonshuti had a disappointing campaign in the African continental road cycling championship but that it behind him as he gears up for his next assignment – the Tour of Rwanda. The MTN Energade endured a below par display after failing to register a podium finish following a 4th spot finish in Friday’s Individual time trial phase and a distant 9th spot finish in the final phase. The performance was a big blow to his dream of featuring in the London 2012 Olympics Games. However, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s opening stage (Kigali-Kabarondo-Kigali 162.8km); the 23-year-old said that the African continental road cycling championship is a closed chapter. “Things did not go according to plan but that happens in competitions. Right now, my focus is on the tour of Rwanda,” he said, adding that he wants to improve on last year’s third spot finish. Niyonshuti, who is riding for Team Rwanda in the competition, is one of 120 riders expected to feature in the grueling 1119.1 km race spread over eight stages. Last year, Morocco produced a one-two finish. Adil Jelloul won the 1069km race in 29 hours, 20 minutes and 33 seconds, three minutes and 15 seconds clear of Abdelaati Saadoune in second place. Tour of Rwanda stages Kigali-Kabarondo-Kigali (162.8km) – Nov. 17Kigali-Gicumbi-Kigali (116.8km) - Nov. 18Kigali-Rubavu (148.9km) – Nov. 19Rubavu-Kigali (158.2km) – Nov. 20Nov. 21 – Rest dayKigali-Karongi (125.8km) – Nov. 22Karongi-Huye (155.8km) – Nov. 23Huye-Kigali (129.9km) – Nov.24 Kigali-Burundi border-Kigali (120.9km) – Nov. 25 Ends

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Riders switch focus to tour of Rwanda