Benediction Excel Energy will compete at this year’s Tour du Senegal from November 10 to 17, the club has confirmed.

The Rubavu-based side, Rwanda’s first and only internationally recognised cycling club, will field six riders at the UCI 2.2 category race.

Felix Sempoma’s team will be making their debut in the race.

"We have been invited in Tour du Senegal, and we have already confirmed our participation. This is a good chance for the riders (and the club) to exhibit our potential in such a big competition,” Sempoma told Times Sport on Tuesday.

This is Benediction’s fourth appearance in an international race since registering as a UCI Continental Tour team, having since competed in the Tour du Rwanda 2019, Tour de Limpopo (South Africa) and the Tour de la RD Congo, which they won through Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo.

The 2019 edition of Tour du Senegal has attracted a record 19 teams, including 12 national teams.

Benediction roster:

Patrick Byukusenge, Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo, Eric Manizabayo, Didier Munyaneza, Yves Nkurunziza and Jean Bosco Nsengimana.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com