IN a bid to maintain the high standards of the prestigious Tour of Rwanda, the national cycling federation (Ferwacy) has invited only the crème de la crème for this year’s edition slated for November 20-26.

Ferwacy president Aimable Bayingana said affirmed that the likes Burundi and Uganda would not take part this year because of their inferior competitive level.

"The Tour of Rwanda is now a highly respected race because of its competitiveness, so we will have teams that compete at the highest level,” Bayingana said.

14 teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, Tanzania, Gabon, Ivory Coast, South Africa, U.S.A, Austria, Belgium, Indonesia and Rwanda, will compete in the 775km race spread over seven stages.

The race which is classified 2:2 by UCI (International cycling union), will is expected to cost Rwf250m, has already secured sponsorship from  Western Union, Lotto Rwanda, Cogear, Rwanda Development Board, EWSA, Europcar and the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture.

Eritrea’s Daniel Teklehaimanot won last year’s race but is still a doubt for this year’s edition.

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