The victory did not come easily, especially towards the end, with Vervenne holding a slim five-second lead just four kilometers from the finish line. Despite the pressure, his exceptional time-trialling abilities shone through, enabling him to maintain the lead and achieve a memorable victory. The Soudal Quick-Step team’s performance sets a high standard as they lead the peloton into the second stage of the race.
Their closest competitors, Israel Premier Tech, finished the course in 21 minutes and 8 seconds, followed by other teams that also gave strong performances. Team Rwanda 2024, representing the host nation, secured the ninth position with a time of 21 minutes and 56 seconds, demonstrating the depth of talent across the teams.
The 16th edition of the Tour of Rwanda began with the team time trial, covering a route that will be featured in the 2025 World Championships. The course stretched from the BK Arena in Kigali to the Kigali Convention Center, with the final 2300 meters presenting a slight incline, adding an extra layer of challenge to the competitors.
As the race moves forward, the peloton is set to tackle a 130-kilometer journey from Muhanga to Kibeho in the second stage, promising more thrilling cycling action in the days to come.
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