ABRAHAM Ruhumuriza has made it no secret that he is prepared to ride his heart out if that is what it takes to retain the Kwita Izina cycling tour title.

The second edition of the tour is slated for May 29 and is expected to attract riders from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi.

With 2008 Tour of Rwanda champion Adrien Niyonshuti set to miss the race, Ruhumuriza does not see why he cannot retain the title.

"Everything is going according to plan and I feel in top shape. I still have a few days to make sure that I’m in the best possible shape to defend my title,” the four-time Tour of Rwanda champion said.

Abraham Ruhumuriza won last year’s event to pocket Rwf 0.5m courtesy of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the sponsors for this year’s edition as well.

This year, seven local clubs are expected to take part and they include; Rubavu, Kayonza, Huye, Rapide, Rwamagana, Cine Elmay and Unatave cycling club.

On day one, cyclists will ride from Kigali to Rubavu with a stop over in Musanze. On day two, the contingent will head back to Kigali.

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