Team Rwanda targets top 10 finish in Rio

NATIONAL Cycling team coach Jonathan Boyer has penciled a top 10 finish in the forthcoming Tour of Rio de Janeiro slated for August 29-September 2 in Brazil.

Friday, August 17, 2012
American coach Jonathn Boyer (above) has penciled a top 10 in the forthcoming Tour of Roi. The New Times/File.

NATIONAL Cycling team coach Jonathan Boyer has penciled a top 10 finish in the forthcoming Tour of Rio de Janeiro slated for August 29-September 2 in Brazil.Team Rwanda riders entered camp on Wednesday for fitness was assessment, and are set to continue preparations until their departure to Rio next weekend."The terrain is very difficult and most of the competitors are full-time professionals, so it will be very tough or us (Rwandan riders),” noted Boyer.The American trainer, however, noted that this being the second appearance (in the race) for some of his riders, their experience could be handy to finish in the top 10.The six elite riders that will represent the country include; team Captain Nathan Byukusenge, Abraham Ruhumuriza, Nicodem Habiyaremye, Emmanuel Rudahunga, Hadi Janvier and Joseph Biziyaremye.Former Team Rwanda rider Obed Ruvogera, who is fresh from a 3-month Massage therapy training and currently a message therapist for the team, is one of four officials that will travel with the team to South America.Colombian cyclists swept the four top places in last year’s race. Juan Pablo Suarez cycled to victory, and was closely followed by his three teammates Jaime Castanada, Edward Beltran, and Javier Gomez as Colombia maintained its title as the best team in the race.After the Tour of Rio, Team Rwanda will turn focus to the Tour de Faso and African Continental championship slated to take place in Ouagadougou-Burkina Faso in November before returning for the Tour of Rwanda slated for November 18-25.