Title dream dwindles for Niyonshuti

Tour of Rwanda Stage 8 (Huye-Kigali) 129km Yesterday 1) C. Tarik (MOR) 3:09:202) D. Teklehaimanot (ERI) 3:09:233) R. Meron (ERI) 3:09:304) S. Abdelaatii (MOR) 3:09:445) A. Jelloul (MOR) 3:11:0310) A. Niyonshuti (RWA) 3:11:2117) N. Byukusenge (RWA) 3:11:3419) O. Ruvogera (RWA) 3:11:45 General Classification 1) D. Teklehaimanot (ERI) 25:50:222 N. Teweldemedhin (ERI) 25:51:113) J. Reinardt RSA (S.A) 25:52:33 4) A. Jelloul (MOR) 25:52:418) A. Niyonshuti (RWA) 25:55:0711) S. Abdelaati (MAR) 26:02:0913) N. Byukusenge (RWA) 26:11:32 Stage 9 Today Kigali-Burundi border-Kigali (120km) FOUR minutes and 45 seconds off the pace after yesterday’s penultimate stage, Adrien Niyonshuti’s chances of clinching this year’s tour of Rwanda are a tall order. But the rider still has a shot at a podium finish should he post a good display in today’s finale. Today’s Stage 9 (the final stage) will see riders heading to the Burundi border and back; covering a distance of 120km in the process. Niyonshuti, who paced into the competition chasing for his second title endured another disappointing performance yesterday after finishing a distant 10th. The MTN Energade rider, who turned 23 early this year used 3 hours, 11 seconds and 21 micro seconds; two minutes and 1 micro second adrift of Morocco’s Chaoufi Tarik, who won the stage in 3 hours, nine minutes and 20 micro seconds. New African continental cycling champion Daniel Teklehaimanot, who finished second 93:09:23) is now odds on favourite to win the tour after opening up a 49 seconds’ gap with his Eritrean teammate Natnael Teweldemedhin. With five cyclists in the top 10 after yesterday’s stage, the Eritreans are also favourities to win the team category. Teklehaimanot will don the yellow jersey this morning. Ends

Sports

Title dream dwindles for Niyonshuti