THE country’s World Cross Country team has suffered a major setback in their preparation after reports that there will be no camp before the Poland showdown.

The local athletics federation (RAF) president Jean Paul Munyandamutsa yesterday revealed the unpleasant news saying that the athletes should continue with their individual training.

"We have failed to raise funds to have the athletes in camp so we have advised them to continue with their individual sessions,” the official said.

This is without doubt a huge blow for the country, which has struggled in the event over the years.

It also seems to be the last straw for RAF which has been grappling with a range of problems of late. These include dishonest officials and the growing menace of financial constraints.

The team will now regroup in Poland on March 26, two days before the event.

Claudette Mukasakindi, Pelagie Musengimana and Francine Ingabire will run in the ladies’ 8km category while Felix Ntirenganya, Evariste Nzabonimpa, Jean Baptista Simuceka, Sylvain Rukundo, Eric Sebahire and Gervais Hakizimana will compete in the men’s 12km category.

Last year, Rwanda had a forgettable outing in Jordan where Kenya and Ethiopia dominated proceedings in both categories.

This year, the top five athletes in both categories will pocket $30,000, $15,000, $10,000, $7,000 and $5,000.

In the team’s category, the winner will bag $20,000 while the second, third and fourth teams will pocket $16,000, $12,000 and $10,000 in that order.

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