THE Kwita Izina challenge cycling tour will cost Rwf18million according to the Executive Secretary of the National Cycling federation Emmanuel Murenzi.

The event which will open this year’s cycling calendar is scheduled to run from May 28-29.

In a telephone interview with Times Sport, Murenzi said that though the budget has been increased to Rwf18m from Rwf15m, prize money will remain Rwf3m.

"The budget has increased because we have invited more riders this year but prize money remains unchanged.”

Cyclists from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania will compete against riders from local clubs like Rubavu, Kayonza, Huye, Rapide, Rwamagana, Cine Elmay and Unatave.

On Day One, cyclists will ride from Kigali to Musanze where they will have a stop-over before proceeding to Rubavu. On day two, the contingent will head back to Kigali.

Abraham Ruhumuriza won last year’s event before pocketing Rwf0.5m courtesy of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the sponsors for this year’s edition as well.

This year, Rwanda is also hosting the African Continental Road Cycling Championship after beating off stiff competition from Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Mauritius.

The championship will be held in November.

Ends