Mugisha wins Tour du Cameroun clocking 26h34’24’’ after the eighth stage covering 1066.2 kilometers.
He was followed by Andreev Yordan of Team Martigues SC with 32- second lead and Artuce Jodele Tella riding for SNH Vélo Club with 33 seconds lead.
The last stage covering 151.4 kilometers on Sunday saw riders setting off from Ebolowa heading to Yaoundé. It was won by El Arbaoui Adil, a Moroccan who clocked 3h40’17″ with 18 seconds ahead of Moïse Mugisha.
Moïse Mugisha took the yellow jersey after the seventh stage where riders raced in the roads of Boumnyebel and Mbalmayo covering 112.6 kilometers.
44 riders from eight teams have finished the race held in Cameroun for the 18th time.
Moïse Mugisha was participating along with other Rwandans including Didier Munyaneza who emerged 7th on the general classification, Eric Muhoza who took the 12th position, Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo (25), Samuel Niyonkuru (27) and Etienne Tuyizere (33).
During a successful first year of the multi-year partnership and despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the event showcased the country as a world-class tourism and investment destination and highlighted Africa’s growing sports industry. The inaugural season also brought to Kigali notable global personalities, former NBA players and legends to witness the historic inaugural season.
The second edition of the BAL, which started in March with stops in three countries, saw Dakar, Senegal host the Sahara conference, Cairo, Egypt hosting the Nile conference. The season will finish off in Kigali with an eight-game Playoffs and the Finals.
Through the partnership, Visit Rwanda branding is being prominently displayed, and the best of what the country has to offer is being broadcasted on channels such as ESPN to thousands of basketball and sports fans across the world. In addition, this season will see The BAL and RDB collaborate on youth development and social responsibility initiatives in Kigali on the sidelines of the playoffs.
The two partners organized a media event attended by over 20 journalists from various countries at the Dr Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall in Cairo, Egypt. They touched on the impact of the partnership, the upcoming Playoffs and what to expect when in Kigali in May.
Commenting on the development, Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall said: “As we set to return to the world-class Kigali arena to play our second consecutive BAL final, teaming up with RDB and Visit Rwanda reflects our belief that sport, and basketball, can be an economic growth engine for the continent. Rwanda continues to lead the way for tourism in Africa, and this partnership highlights an African continent that is creative, vibrant, and ready to tell its story.”
Speaking during the media briefing Rwanda’s Ambassador to Egypt, Albert Kalisa, highlighted that sports and tourism are important to Rwandans at all levels.
“We have the responsibility to ensure Rwandans continue to take pride in their culture and in all sports engagements, like the BAL, that uplift our nation. We are very happy to see The BAL returning home to Rwanda for the second time, and we look forward to welcoming all visitors to Kigali in May,” he noted.
Eight teams from across the continent, including Rwanda’s Rwanda Energy Group (REG), who topped the Sahara Conference in Dakar, Senegal, will compete in the Playoffs. The Kigali Arena will host all the Playoffs games, with the second edition of the finals taking place Saturday, 28 May.
Karl Platt and Habimana Jean Eric won the fourth stage clocking 2 hours 36 minutes and 17 seconds.
Kenyan Suleiman Kangangi riding for Giant was the first to arrive at the finishing line in front of Palm Beach Hotel followed by Habimana Jean Eric who teamed up with German Karl Platt.
The last stage saw the duo leading the race on the general classification with 8 hours 22 minutes and 55 seconds. They were 38 minutes ahead of Daniel Gathof and Renay Groustra who took the second position.
Karl Platt, 43, was participating in Rwandan Epic for the first time. He revealed that it was an amazing experience to take part in the race noting that he enjoyed wonderful sojourn in Rwanda where he plans to return.
“It was an amazing tournament. I enjoyed wonderful moments throughout the race’s route along with Jean Eric. I will come back to Rwanda because I have got many friends,” he said.
In the category of women, Leone Verster and Catherine Colyn have won the last stage clocking 3 hours 54 minutes and 8 seconds while Umwamikazi Jazilla and Nirere Xaverine clocked 5 hours 34 minutes and 22 seconds.
On the general classification, Leone Verster and Catherine Colyn led the race with 12 hours 39 minutes and 29 seconds. They are five hours ahead of next rivals.
In the mixed category, Jennifer Wagouman and Daniel Klemmer registered 5 hours 37 minutes and 6 seconds. They led the race in the category with 17 hours 43 minutes and 53 seconds.
The last stage of the tournament attracted more 11 riders from different countries.
Jakob Schule was the first among racers who joined on the last day registering 2 hours 57 minutes and 55 seconds.
His rivals include Reno Ziondato, Evan Meyers, Pelden Dorji, Arthur Franzon, Alexander Lamberts, Didier, Habiyambere Olivier, Neza Violette, Paulo van der Ven and Arjan Sleurink.
The ceremony to handover prizes to winners was also graced by the mayor of Rubavu district, Ildephonse Kambogo.
Sponsors of Rwandan Epic 2022 include Amstel, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), Winnaz, Radisson Blu Hotel & Kigali Convention Centre, Trans Link, Qoryx Energy, Peloton de Paris and SunRace among others.
The organizer of the just concluded international tournament, Rwanda Alternative Riding Events (RaR) is making preparations for another tournament dubbed “Race Around Rwanda” to be held on 19th March 2022 and “Gorilla Gravel” to be held between 9th and 12th June 2022.
{{Stage four classification of Rwandan Epic 2022:}}
{{Men}}
1. Karl Platt & Habimana Jean Eric: 2h36’17”
2. Daniel Gathof & Renay Groustra: 2h48’38”
3. Suleiman Kangangi & Mael Desrieux: 2h55’45”
4. Mitch Elliot: 2h58’10”
5. Josh Ibbett & Ruberwa Jean: 2h59’05”
6. Kwizera Elie & Uwitonze Edouard: 3h06’38”
7. Marc Schut & Rhys Manners: 3h13’57”
8. Nduwayo Eric & Nkurunziza Yves: 3h15’44”
9. David Caroll & Niringiyimana Ramadhan: 3h41’40”
10. Ishimwe Jean Claude & Nshutiraguma Kevin: 4h18’56”
{{Women}}
1. Leone Verster & Catherine Colyn: 3h54’08”
2. Umwamikazi Jazilla & Nirere Xaverine: 5h34’22”
{{Mixed category}}
1. Jennifer Wagouman & Daniel Klemmer: 5h37’06”
{{General classification:}}
{{Men}}
1. Karl Platt & Habimana Jean Eric: 8h22’55”
2. Daniel Gathof & Renay Groustra: 8h54’50”
3. Suleiman Kangangi & Mael Desrieux: 9h26’46”
4. Josh Ibbett & Ruberwa Jean: 9h57’58”
5. Kwizera Elie & Uwitonze Edouard: 10h53’18”
6. Marc Schut & Rhys Manners: 11h05’52”
7. David Caroll & Niringiyimana Ramadhan: 12h03’41”
The second stage dubbed ‘Twin Lakes’ saw riders setting off the race from a starting line at Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) in Musanze at 9:00 a.m. Riders followed the track through roads located in the vicinity of Lake Burera and Ruhondo before crossing the finishing line at Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze town.
Kenyan Suleiman Kangangi was the first to arrive in Musanze but his efforts remained futile as his colleague Mael Desrieux was the last to cross the finish clocking 3 hours 41 minutes and 46 seconds.
The team of Karl Platt and Habimana Jean Eric was the second to cross the finishing line and won the second stage after clocking the same time.
Daniel Gathof and Renay Groustra took the third position with 3 hours 29 minutes and 30 seconds while Josh Ibbett and Jean Damascène Ruberwa emerged fourth.
Samuel Mugisha is among riders that did not finish the race while his Mitch Elliot, registered 4 hours 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Karl Platt and Habimana Jean Eric continue to lead the race with 3 hours 45 minutes and 45 seconds after their victory for the first and second stages. They are 16 minutes ahead of their next rivals namely; Daniel Gathof and Renay Groustra.
In the category of women, Leone Verster and Catherine Colyn arrived first again clocking 4 hours 54 minutes and 53 seconds followed by Jazilla Umwamikazi and Xaverine Nirere registered 7 hours 16 minutes and 37 seconds.
Leone Verster and Catherine Colyn lead the general classification list with 5 hours 41 minutes and 25 seconds. They are 2 hours and 36 minutes ahead of rivals on the second position.
In the mixed category, Jennifer Wagouman and Daniel Klemmer were the first to cross the finishing line clocking 7 hours 10 minutes and 9 seconds. They continue to lead the race in the category with 8 hours 11 minutes and 34 seconds.
The average speed is 22.6 km/h for men and 15 km/h.
Rwanda Epic 2022 is comprised of four stages. The race will continue on Saturday 12th March 2022 with the 3rd stage in Kinigi. Riders will cover 35 kilometers.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures of the second stage}}->https://igihe.com/imikino/amagare/article/karl-platt-na-habimana-jean-eric-begukanye-agace-ka-kabiri-ka-rwandan-epic-2022#.YiuLs186MXE.twitter]
The race started on Thursday 10th March 2022 where riders set off at 9:15 .a.m. at Fazenda Sengha (Mont Kigali) for an Individual Time Trial covering 11.5 kilometers.
The finishing line was set at Fazenda Sengha.
Rwanda Epic is an annual tournament organized by Rwanda Alternative Riding Events (RAR Events).
The race attracted 27 riders from 13 teams while Seth HakiImana who participated individually due to the absence of his colleague, Didier Munyaneza, did not finish the race.
Karl Platt who won the first stage teamed up with Rwandan Jean Eric Habimana who had been crowned champion in 2020. The duo was the first to cross the finishing line clocking 29 minutes 34 seconds followed by Daniel Gathof and Renay Groustra who clocked 32 minutes and one second.
Souleyman Kangangi and Mael Desrieux took the third place in the category of men clocking 33 seconds and 26 seconds.
Samuel Mugisha and South African Mitch Elliot riding for ProTouch team took the 7th position while Eric Nduwayo and Yves Nkurinziza emerged the ninth.
Nshutiraguma Kevin and Ishimwe Jean Claude did not finish the race.
Catherine Colyn and Leone Verster won the race in the category of women clocking 46 minutes and 32 seconds while Jazilla Umwamikazi and Nirere Xaverine came second clocking 1 hour 8 minutes and 25 seconds.
In the mixed category, Daniel Klemmer and Jenniffer Wagouman arrived first using 1 hour and 45 seconds.
After winning the first stage, Karl Platt expressed delight for participating in the race and thanked his colleague Habimana Jean Eric for teamwork spirit.
“I am having wonderful moments here. I have been also excited to team up with Jean Eric. He is strong on hiking routes. I asked him to support each other in our respective capacities. We had not played together but we have made a great team today,” he said.
Habimana Jean Eric also attributed the victory to team work.
“I am very delighted that my team won the stage. Karl Platt is a legendary player with competencies exceeding mine. Before setting off, I told him my strength and weaknesses. I informed him that I am strong in climbing routes. He is also good at riding through routes slopping downwards. So, we combined these skills,” he said.
“I am optimistic that we will retain the yellow jersey despite the fierce competition of rivals,” Habimana added.
Simon De Schutter from the management of Rwanda Alternative Riding Events (RAR Events) which organizes Rwandan Epic, commended the participation and expressed optimism for the tournament to be successful.
“We are excited for this participation. We have held Individual Time Trial today and hope the race will be more successful throughout the remaining stages. We will set off from Kinigi for the second stage heading to places nearby Lake Burera and Ruhondo. It is a long route with stiff climbs but not challenging like today’s race,” he said.
The average speed for men is 23.3 km, 14.8 km for women and 11,35 km/h for riders in the mixed category.
Rwanda Epic 2022 is comprised of four stages. It will continue on Friday 11th March with the second stage dubbed ‘Twin Lakes stage’. Riders will begin the race from a starting line at Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) in Musanze at 9:00 a.m. Riders will follow the track through roads located in the vicinity of Lake Burera and Ruhondo before crossing the finishing line at Ubworoherane Stadium in Musanze town.
The race was concluded on Sunday 27th February 2022 where cyclists raced for 75.3 kilometers for the last stage.
It was the fourth edition since Tour du Rwanda was upgraded to UCI 2.1 category in 2019.
The last stage was flagged off at Canal Olympia at 10:30 where racers made three laps in Kigali City following the track from Rebero-Gikondo-Rwandex-Kanogo- Tapis Rouge-Kwa Mutwe –Yamaha before crossing the finishing line at Canal Olympia.
Mugisha Moïse was the first to cross the finishing line clocking 2 hours 8 minutes and 16 seconds covering 75.3 kilometers. He was followed by Sandy Dujardin and Alexandre Geniez riding for TotalEnergies from France who the registered the same time.
Mugisha had emerged the second on the general classification in 2020. He is the first Rwandan to win a stage since the tournament was upgraded to 2.1 UCI category in 2019.
In 2018, Mugisha Samuel won the last edition of Tour du Rwanda classified under 2.2 UCI category.
Eritrean Natnael Tesfatsion , the champion of this year’s edition led the race with 23 hours 25 minutes and 34 seconds throughout eight stages covering 913.3 kilometers. He was 26 seconds ahead of Ukrainian Anatolii Budiak riding for Terengganu Polygon Cycling while Australian Jesse Ewart riding for Bike Aid emerged the third clocking 23h26’22’’.
Tesfazion, 22, was born on 23rd May 1999. The young man riding for Drone Hopper also won Tour du Rwanda 2020.
He took the yellow jersey on the sixth stage won by Anatolii Budiak on 25th February 2022.
Tesfazion becomes the second Eritrean to win Tour du Rwanda since it was upgraded to 2.1 UCI category following the victory of Merhawi kudus Ghebremedhin in 2019.
The top performing Rwandan on the general classification is Manizabayo Eric riding for Benediction Ignite. He took the 9th position with 2 minutes and 49 seconds behind the yellow jersey holder.
Mugisha Moïse was also awarded as the best climber.
Only 65 out of 94 cyclists were able to complete the race.
Mugisha Samuel riding for ProTouch and Uhiriwe Byiza Renus riding for Team Rwanda were among cyclists who did not finish the week-long race due to sickness and tire puncture.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures}}->https://www.igihe.com/imikino/tour-du-rwanda-2022/Mugisha-Moise-yegukanye-Agace-ka-Munani-katangijwe-na-Perezida-Kagame-Tesfazion-atwara-TdRwanda2022-Amafoto]
Anatoliy made a breakaway in the last kilometer and arrived at the finishing line first clocking 3 hours 35 minutes and 21 seconds followed by Natnael Tesfazion.
The first two riders arrived 5 seconds ahead of Rwandan Eric Manizabayo riding for Benediction Ignite who took the 3rd place.
Eritrean Tesfazion riding for Drone Hopper took the yellow jersey leading the race with 17 hours 33 minutes and 19 seconds. He is six seconds ahead of Budiak Anatoli who took the second place on general classification.
Eric Manizabayo is the top performing Rwanda emerging 10th on the general classification with 2 minutes and 15 seconds behind the yellow jersey holder.
Samuel Mugisha of ProTouch and Axel Laurance of B&B Hotels KTM did not complete the race due to sickness.
Tour du Rwanda 2022 will continue to Saturday 26th February 2022 with the seventh stage where cyclists will follow the track from Nyamirambo in Kigali through Gicumbi to cross the finishing line in Kigali covering 152.6 kilometers.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures}}->https://www.igihe.com/imikino/tour-du-rwanda-2022/Anatoliy-Budyak-yegukanye-Agace-ka-Gatandatu-ka-Tour-du-Rwanda-2022-Amafoto]
Geniez who also won the prologue of Tour du Rwanda 2022 on Sunday was the first to cross the finishing line clocking 3 hours 12 minutes and 14 seconds.
Pierre Rolland riding for B&B Hotels was the second to cross the finishing line followed by a Rwandan Eric Manizabayo.
The first two arrived 3 seconds ahead of Manizabayo.
Among others, Madrazo Angel Ruiz riding for Burgos took the yellow jersey and maintains the lead on the general classification with 13 hours 57 seconds and 52 seconds.
Eric Muhoza riding for Team Rwanda is the top performing Rwanda on the general classification taking the eighth position.
Tour du Rwanda will continue on Friday with the sixth stage from Musanze to Kigali covering 152 kilometers.
The 14th edition of Tour du Rwanda will cover a total distance of 937.1 kilometers.
It has attracted 19 teams competing in eight stages across Rwanda.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures of the 5th stage of Tour du Rwanda 2022}}->https://www.igihe.com/imikino/tour-du-rwanda-2022/Alexandre-Geniez-yegukanye-Agace-ka-Gatanu-ka-Tour-du-Rwanda-2022-kasorejwe-i-Musanze-Amafoto]
As the race was flagged off at 9:00 a.m in Kimironko, cyclists rode through Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro, Kagugu, Gitikinyoni and Base before crossing the finishing line in Gicumbi.
Main Kent was the first to cross the finish clocking 3 hours 17 minutes and 40 seconds and maintained 2 seconds ahead of Anatoli Budiak riding for Terengganu Polygony Cycling while the next rivals including Alan Boileau of B&B Hotels, Eyob Metkel and Muhoza Eric arrived three seconds later.
Axel Laurence of B&B Hotels has taken the yellow jersey after clocking 10 hours, 45 minutes and 7 seconds during the four stages.
He maintained a difference of ten seconds between the next rivals on the general classification. These include Madrazo Angel Ruiz riding for Burgos and Natnael Tesfazion of Drone Hopper.
The top performing Rwanda is Muhoza Eric who took the 13th position.
The tournament will continue on Thursday 24th February 2022 with the fifth stage where riders will set off from Muhanga to cross the finishing line in Musanze after covering 124,7 kilometers.
Few kilometers before reaching the finishing line, Restrepo broke into a sprint and arrived first clocking 3 hours, 54 minutes and 10 seconds. He registered the same time with other riders of his peloton including Tesfazion Natnael who won Tour du Rwanda in 2019.
Restrepo, 27, has also taken the yellow jersey from Alexandre Geniez who retained it on first and second stage of the tournament.
Participating for the sixth time, Restrepo breaks the record as the first rider to win six stages.
The top performing Rwanda is Seth Hakizimana riding for Team Rwanda who was the 23rd to cross the line.
The week-long tournament will continue on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 with the fourth stage covering 124.3 kilometers from Kigali to Gicumbi.
The 14th edition of Tour du Rwanda will cover a total distance of 937.1 kilometers.
The race has attracted 19 teams competing in eight stages across Rwanda.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures}}->https://igihe.com/imikino/tour-du-rwanda-2022/Johnatan-Restrepo-yegukanye-Agace-karekare-ka-Tour-du-Rwanda-2022-kasorejwe-i-Rubavu-Amafoto#.YhS9PTC_Fi0.twitter]
