Tour du Rwanda 2023 is finally here. With eight stages to be played, the race already comprises key statistics worth noting. The continental race, which is slated for February 19-26, will for the first time attract 100 riders from 19 teams. Algeria withdrew from the race at the last minute due logistical constraints. There are 67 new riders this year, representing 70,5 % of the total number of participants. They occupy the highest representation compared to 55.5% in 2022, 62.7% in 2021 and 52.5% in 2020. A total of 700 riders have participated at Tour du Rwanda and have made a total of 1,120 participations since 2009. ALSO READ: Riders to watch out at Tour du Rwanda 2023 At least 66 nations have been represented in Tour du Rwanda since 2009. Meanwhile, four countries namely China, Indonesia, Japan and Latvia will be represented for the first time in 2023. There are 28 different nationalities in 2023, the first time that Tour du Rwanda is attracting the highest number of nations in one edition. Nine new teams will also be making their debut at Tour du Rwanda 2023 (compared to five in 2022). They include Soudal-QuickStep Devo Team (Belgium), Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team (Switzerland), Green Project-Bardiani (Italy, Euskaltel- Euskadi (Spain), China Glory Continental Cycling Team (China), Bolton Equities Black Spoke (New Zealand), EF Education-Nippo Development Team (USA), Tartu2024 (Estonia), May Stars (Rwanda) Most represented country: Great Britain with 10 riders The British riders are present in different teams (the National Selection, Israel-Premier Tech, Soudal-QuickStep, Bolton Equities Black Spoke, EF Education-Nippo Development, and Novo Nordisk) followed by the Rwandans with 9 riders in 3 teams (National Selection, Bike Aid and May Stars). Most represented countries since 2009 Rwanda has 212 riders to have participated (including 2023); France 91, Eritrea 84, South Africa 72, Kenya 57, Ethiopia 53, Algeria 43, Belgium, Morocco, and Cameroon 32. 12: Record number of participations in the Tour du Rwanda by Jean-Bosco Nsengimana (from 2012 to 2023) 24: Record number of stage wins by nation, held by Eritrea followed by Rwanda (19), France (10), Morocco (9), South Africa, Colombia, and the United States (8). 6: Record number of stage wins by Colombian Johnathan Restrepo, followed by Valens Ndayisenga and Eritrean Eyob Metkel (5 wins). 20 years and 8 months: Samuel Mugisha remains the youngest Tour du Rwanda winner after winning the 2018 edition aged 20 years and 8 months while Eritrean Merhawi Kudus is the youngest stage winner in 2012 at 18 years and 10 months. 30: the number of riders to have participated in the Tour du Rwanda before joining a World Tour team: 900: The number of accredited persons in total for the Tour du Rwanda 2023.
