TEAM Rwanda Cycling left the country for Gabon last night ahead of the 15th La Tropicale Amissa Bongo that starts on Monday.

The seven-stage race will run through January 26 across five Gabonese provinces and some parts of neighbouring Cameroon.

Under the coaching of Felix Sempoma, Team Rwanda will be looking to win the famous African race for a second time in three years following the 2018 victory courtesy of Joseph Areruya who is again part of this year’s contingent for the race.

Captained by former Tour du Rwanda winner Samuel Mugisha, the six-man Team Rwanda also comprises Didier Munyaneza, Moise Mugisha, Renus Byiza Uhirirwe and Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo.

Before the team’s departure Thursday night, captain Mugisha said: "We know the race because we won it in 2018. We have what it takes to win again, and we will do all that is possible to accomplish that mission.”

This year marks the ninth time Rwanda will be participating in the UCI Africa Tour 2.1 category race.