The national cycling team (Team Rwanda) head coach Sterling Magnell has urged budding riders who will participate in the forthcoming 10th Tour du Rwanda, to step up and rise to the occasion if the country is to keep the title for a fifth time running.
Magnell made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Times Sport on Monday following last week’s announcement of the roadmap of this year’s edition – scheduled for August 5-12.
Of the eight stages comprising this year’s race, five stages are new on the roadmap. The race will cover a record 948.6 kilometers, an elevation of 19.455 meters and a total of 31 climbs.
"It’s a good route, harder than 2017, which is good for Rwandan cyclists. We will see some differences this year and I hope to see our boys ride smart,” Magnell told Times Sport yesterday.
No foreign rider has been able to win the highly coveted race since 2014 and coach Magnell is confident Rwandan cyclists have what it takes to make it five consecutive titles.
In 2014, Valens Ndayisenga who currently rides for French Club Pays des Olonnes Cycliste Côte de Lumière along with compatriot Jean-Claude Uwizeye, became the first Rwandan rider to win Tour du Rwanda since 2009, when it became an international race.
In 2015, Jean Bosco Nsengimana rose to the occasion and claimed the 7th edition before Valens Ndayisenga reclaimed the title in 2016 to become the only rider to win it twice. Joseph Areruya won the ninth edition before going on to win the La Tropicale Amissa Bongo in Gabon.
Asked about the chances of a Rwandan rider yet again winning the tour, the American trainer said; "This is a big question, anything can happen in bike racing. You need to be well prepared and have good luck too.
"I believe we have a chance to keep the title and yes, we will prepare as much possible. However it will require new riders to style up and rise to the occasion, I am waiting for confirmation of a few details before we announce the composition of teams,” he explained
A total 16 teams have confirmed to take part in this year’s edition and Rwanda will be represented by three teams led by Team Rwanda Cycling joined by Club Benediction and Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana.
Reigning champion Areruya will not defend his title with his French Club Delko Marseille Provence KTM, however his compatriots Ndayisenga and Uwizeye will come with their club Pays des Olonnes Cycliste Côte de Lumière.
According to Magnell, preliminary assessment of local athletes has already been done and intensive training camp is set to begin early July.
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