FOUR-time Tour of Rwanda champion Abraham Ruhumuriza is raring to go to take part in the first international cycling competition in Rwanda after learning of the hefty prizes on offer.

Over Rwf13.2m has been staked as prize money for the 1096km which will be graced by a large field of top cyclists from the East African region; Morocco, Egypt, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, USA, France, Belgium, Greece, Italy and Germany.

"It’s the first time I will be competing for search lump sum amounts and I have no doubt that this will bring the best out of me and my Team Rwanda mates,” the 30-year-old said.

Ruhumuriza, who was dethroned by Adrien Niyonshuti, last year, is now gearing up for the African Continental road cycling championship in Namibia.

He believes that the Namibia tour will put him in the best shape possible for the big one-Tour of Rwanda.

"The Namibia tour is a tough one and I know that it will put me where I want to be ahead of the big one,” he noted.

The Namibia tour is slated for November 4-8 in Windhoek.

Ends