Tour du Rwanda Cycling Opens with Active French Participation, Reports KT Press

    KIGALI, RWANDA, November 17, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In spite of the tragic Paris terror attacks, five French cyclists remained undeterred in their resolve to race in the ongoing Tour du Rwanda annual cycling tournament.

Fellow riders from sixteen countries, also in the tournament, observed a minute of silence in honor of the Paris victims at the start of every phase.

Countries have sent their best cyclers to compete in the 933.8 km long race, divided in seven circuits across the smooth roads of hilly Rwanda.

The tournament, Tour du Rwanda, only comparable to Tour du France, is Africa's highly competitive annual cycling race.

Countries outside Africa, participating in the race include; Italy, France, Croatia, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Germany, Argentina, Spain and Uzbekistan.

Tour du Rwanda is considered the second best cycling competition in Africa after La Tropicale Amissa Bongo in Gabon.

This year's Tour du Rwanda was flagged off on November 15, in the capital Kigali, beginning with a 3.5 km circuit also known as team-time-trial riding around the Amahoro National Stadium, which was won by a Rwandan, Jean Bosco Nsengiyumva.

The 65 cyclists later travelled by bus further East to Nyagatare district for the 119km-circuit, which extended to the Rwamagana district on the second day.

Eritrea's Debesay Mekseb won the circuit clocking 2h50'14". He is also Africa's number one rider. This phase attracted over 40,000 fans along the upcountry highway.

Riders will, on the 5th day, compete on the grilling high climbing and sloping; Rwamagana-Musanze (153km) circuit into the home of Rwanda's famed Mountain Gorillas.

Rwanda has deployed its best 15 young riders in three teams named after the country's volcanoes and largest national park; Karisimbi, Muhabura and Akagera.

Rwanda is expected to defend its 2014 title despite tight competition from Eritrea.

When the Rwanda team won the 2014 Tour du Rwanda, President Paul Kagame told the team that; "We will ensure that you are not lacking in anything that you need to perform better." Indeed Kagame has donated 23 Pinarello Dogma bicycles worth $ 14,000 each.

Jean Claude Herault, 2014 Tour du Rwanda organizer and fifteen time organizer of Tour de France told KT Press; "In 5 years Rwanda may be an active participant in Tour de France; the country is targeting young talented riders"

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