As Niyonshuti drops down to 21st place

Yesterday

Stage 5 - (Rubavu-Muhanga) - 140km
1) K. Reijnen (Team Type 1) - 4:03:27
2) D. Girdlestone (MTN Qhubeka) - 4:03:27
3) N. Byukusenge (Karisimbi) 4:03:27
6) J. Rosskopf (Team Type 1) - 4:05:58
7) N. Habiyambere (Karisimbi) 4:05:58
13) G. Hategeka (Karisimbi) - 4:05:58
21) A. Niyonshuti (MTN Qhubeka) - 4:06:09

General Classification

1) J. Rosskopf (Team Type 1) 11:45:31
2) K. Reijnen (Team Type 1) 11:45:35
4) N. Byukusenge (Karisimbi) 11:46:33
5) G. Hategeka (Karisimbi) 11:46:36
7) A. Niyonshuti (MTN Qhubeka) 11:48:35

Today (Stage 5)
Muhanga – Huye (72km)

KIEL Reijnen bounced back into contention yesterday, putting Tuesday’s stinging display behind him as he claimed his fourth stage victory of the Tour.

The Team Type 1 rider, who is making his second appearance in the race, held off a strong challenge from MTN Qhubeka’s Dylan Girdlestone after clocking 4 hours, 3 minutes and 27 seconds in the grueling 140km stage.

Girdlestone and Nathan Byukusenge of Karisimbi were just micro-seconds off the pace as the battle for the title intensified.

Reijnen attributed his success to experience and exposure gained during last year’s edition.

"This year, I feel better prepared because I’m more conversant with the terrain so it’s a lot easier than last year,” the 28-year-old American said.

Despite finishing fourth, Joey Rosskopf held onto the yellow jersey with an overall time of 11 hours, 45 minutes and 31 second, four clear of his Team Type 1 teammate Reijnen.

It was however a forgettable stage for two-time champion Adrien Niyonshuti who dropped to 21st position after crashing.

Karisimbi’s pair of Nicodem Habiyambere and Gasore Hategeka also finished 7th and 13th respectively.

The tour continues this morning with stage 5 where riders will race over a distance of 72km from Muhanga to Huye.

With three stages to go, the number of dropouts is up to twelve.

Ends