Belgian rider Jonathan Vervenne, who plays for the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, became the first rider to take yellow jersey at Tour du Rwanda 2024 after his team Soudal Quick-Step won the Team Time Trial (TTT) in the first stage on Sunday, February 18. Soudal Quick-Step took will go into Monday’s Stage two leading the peloton after covering a distance of 18,3 Km in 20 minutes and 32 seconds to win the Team Time Trial which was contested for the first time in Tour du Rwanda. The Belgian team was followed by Israel Premier Tech after clocking with 21 minutes and 8 seconds. ALSO READ: Tour du Rwanda 2024 kicks off Sunday With just four kilometers to go, Vervenne had only five seconds in hand and it looked as if his action would come to a bitter end. He made use of his strong time trial skills and held off the group for a spectacular victory. Team Rwanda 2024 came in the ninth place with 21 minutes and 56 seconds while Java-InovoTec finished in the 13th place with 22 minutes and 47 seconds as May Stars emerged 19th with 25 minutes and 31 seconds. The 16th edition of the Tour du Rwanda opened with the team time trial on the 2025 World Championships time trial route, 18.3 kilometers long which started from Kigali-BK Arena and ends at Kigali Convention Center. This first stage didn’t present any particular dangers apart from the last 2300 meters to the finish line considering that they were on a slight slope. The peloton resumes action on Monday, February 19, when riders take on stage two departing Muhanga and heading to Kibeho in a distance of 130 kilometres. Raking Stage One 1. Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team: 20':32 2. Israel Premier Tech: 21'08 3. Lotto-Dstny: 21'24 4. UAE: 21'26 5. TotalEnergies: 21'27 6. Eritrea: 21'39 7. Astana: 21'43 8. Groupama-FDJ: 21'52 9. Rwanda: 21'56 10. Polti -Kometa: 22'02 11. Bingoal-WB 12. South Africa: 22'43 13. Java-InovoTec: 22'47 14. Bike Aid: 22'50 15. CMC Africa: 23'07 16. Maurice: 23'10 17. Algeria: 24'00 18. Ethiopia: 24'02 19. May Stars: 25'31
