IN a bid to win his first foreign competition, Rwanda’s top cyclist Adrien Niyonshuti is leaving nothing to chance after starting training ahead of the Tour of Gabon, also dubbed as ‘La Tropicale Amissa Bongo’.

The 22-year-old, who rides for South African cycling club MTN-Energade, believes that preparing early for such competitions is crucial.

He said: "my major target next year is to win a foreign competition, and that starts with the Tour of Gabon.”
"And the best way to achieve this is to start early preparations,” the 2008 Tour of Rwanda champion said.

Niyonshuti is currently training in Ruhengeri with fellow Team Rwanda mates- Abraham Ruhumuriza, Nathan Byukusenge, Nicodem Habiyambere, Obed Ruvogera, Nyandwi Uwase and Rafiki Jean de dieu Uwimana.

This year, Niyonshuti made history when he became the first Rwandan to ride alongside all time cycling greats like seven time tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and ten time tour of Ireland winner Mark Cavendish during the tour of Ireland in August.

Last month, the rider also pocketed 0.42m during the Tour of Rwanda after finishing third.

The Tour of Gabon is slated for January 19-24.

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