Rwandan cyclists from Team Rwanda, SACA and Benediction Ignite did not perform well. None of the riders from the three teams managed to finish in the top ten. Spaniard Cristian Rodriguez won the last stage and the whole Tour du Rwanda.
Cristian Rodriguez finished the Tour du Rwanda 2021 in style. He won the last stage and was first overall. Cristian Rodriguez of Total Direct Energie clocked up 22h 49’51” in 8 stages. He won the yellow jersey. He was followed by Picolli James of Israel Start-Up Nation. In third place was Alex Hoehn of Wildlife.
On the Rwandan side, the best performer was Eric Muhoza, ranked 23rd, from Team Rwanda. He achieved a time of 23h 03′ 42” during the 8 days of the Tour du Rwanda.
The coaches of the three Rwandan teams showed that the preparations were not sufficient following the health crisis of covid-19.
The same is true for the cyclists who are more specific about their needs. “We want to benefit from stronger preparations and participation in competitions in order to be able to win the Tour du Rwanda one day,” said Patrick Byukusenge, the captain of Benediction Ignite.
Murenzi Abdallah, president of the Rwandan Cycling Federation (FERWACY) and the minister of sports, Aurora Mimosa Munyangaju promised to work closely with the cycling teams in the preparations for the upcoming competitions. This was during a drink where the Minister of Sports received the three Rwandan teams despite their poor results.
Gérard Rugambwa
