Eritrea’s Henok Mulueberhane wins Tour of Rwanda

Mulueberhane, who rides for Italy’s Green Project Bardiani Team won the race after winning the last eighth stage of the race, covering 75.3 kilometers around Kigali in 2 hours 4 minutes and 52 seconds.

The 23-year old was crowned champion after covering 1054.6 kilometers overall in 58 hours 28 minutes and one second.

He was handed the yellow jersey by Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the closing ceremony at Canal Olympia Rebero in Kigali, amid applause by dozens of his compatriots living in Rwanda.

Protected by his teammates, Mulueberhane kept close to the leading pack, waiting for the highest climb to race to the finishing line.

Calzoni Walter of Swiss’ Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team finished second while Lecerf William Junior, who rides for Belgium’s Soudal – Quick-Step Devo Team finished third.

The race which started on Feb.19 attracted 95 riders from 28 countries comprising 19 teams.

The entire race consisted as it has been the norm every year, long climbs during most of the eight stages.

There were four new nationalities in this year’s race including from China, according to officials.

Nine new teams made their debut in the annual race.

Tour of Rwanda was initially a local race until it was recognized by the International Cycling Union in 2009. It was upgraded to UCI 2.1 Category in 2019.

Eritrea’s Natnael Testefazion who rides for Italian club Drone Hopper–Androni Giocattoli, won the 14th edition of Tour of Rwanda last year.