Niyonshuti eager to retain Tour of Kigali title

RWANDA’S Top rider Adrien Niyonshuti is prepared to stagger any challenge in bid to retain this year’s Tour of Kigali competition which starts this morning at Amahoro stadium.Niyonshuti who competed at this year’s London Olympic Games told Sunday Sport yesterday that he is ready to do whatever it takes to defend the title he won last year.“I am here to win the title. I know it is going to be difficult for me to defend this title because all riders are in top form but with my strong character, I am hopeful I can accomplish this mission successfully,” added the 25-year-old, who rides for South African UCI Continental team MTN Qhubeka.This year’s edition of Tour of Kigali is expected to have a total distance of 160km which will be covered by male riders while women riders will traverse 65km.The event’s route will run from Amahoro Stadium-via Chez Lando- Gishushu- RDB- MTN Center- Nyarutarama – Utexrwa – Muhima – Kigali City roundabout- Kigali Prison- Nyamirambo- Kimisagara- Nyabugogo taxi park – Poids Lourds- Rwandex- Zion Temple- Kicukiro Centre- Sonatube- Giporoso-La Palisse- Kigali Parents Schools- Kimironko market- KIE- Traffic police offices – Amahoro stadium.Over 60 riders from the nine cycling clubs – such as Benediction Club, Rapide, Satellite, Les Amis Sportifs, Fly Club, Kiramuruzi Cycling team, Cine Elmay, Abahizi and Cycling Club for All – are expected to be in contention.Last year, Niyonshuti edged out Nathan Byukusenge in 4 hours, 58 minutes and 11 seconds. Abraham Ruhumuriza followed closely in third place.