Photo credit: Tour du Rwanda
From February 18th to the 25th, cyclists from around the world united to tackle the gruelling 720 km Tour du Rwanda – Africa’s toughest cycling tour, in the land of 1000 hills. The tour proved to be nothing short of exhilarating, with African cyclists showcasing their prowess alongside top riders currently participating on the World stage and leaving an indelible mark on cycling’s history books.
You can view our full LIVE Blog here along with a summary of the tour, stage by stage below.
Stage 1
The excitement began with Stage 1, a thrilling Team Time Trial that started at Kigali Bk Arena and concluded at the prestigious Kigali Convention Centre.
The Tour kicked off with a captivating 18.3km Team Time Trial, where African cyclists showcased their talent. Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus claimed the prestigious Best African Rider Jersey, while his compatriot Aklilu Arefayne secured the Best Young African Rider Jersey.
Rwanda’s Samuel Niyonkuru and Janvier Shyaka clinched the Best Rwandan Rider Jersey and the Best Young Rwandan Rider Jersey, respectively.
Stage 2
Continuing the excitement, Stage Two witnessed remarkable performances by African riders. Rwanda’s Didier Munyaneza triumphed with the Intermediate Sprint Jersey, with Moise Mugisha clinching the Best Rwandan Rider Jersey.
Janvier Shyaka also impressed by securing the Best Young Rwandan Rider Jersey. Rwanda’s Shemu Nsengiyumva won the Most Combative Rider Jersey.
Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne secured the Best Young African Rider and the Best Young Rider Jerseys, while Merhawi Kudus won the Best African Jersey.
Stage 3
In Stage Three, cyclists took on a gruelling 140.3kms. The standout performances included a variety of jerseys won by African cyclists.
Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne continued to shine, claiming an impressive array of Jerseys: the Best Young African Rider, Best African Rider, and Best Young Rider. His fellow countryman Yoel Habteab, riding for Bike Aid showcased outstanding prowess, securing both the Best Climber and Most Combative Rider Jersey.
South Africa’s Dillon Geary also made his mark by claiming the Longest Escape Jersey. Additionally, Rwanda’s Didier Munyaneza won the Intermediate Sprint Jersey, and Hashimu Tuyizere claimed the Best Young Rwandan Rider Jersey.
Stage 4
Stage Four featured a high-octane 93km race, which witnessed Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne once again dominating the jerseys, securing the Best Young African Rider, Best African Rider, and Best Young Rider titles.
Rwanda’s Vaincaire Masengesho emerged victorious in the Best Young Rwandan Rider Jersey category, while Moise Mugisha claimed the Best Rwandan Rider Jersey. Didier Munyaneza and Yoel Habteab shared the Intermediate Sprint Jersey, with the latter also securing the Best Climber Jersey.
Stage 5
In the fifth stage, cyclists battled it out over a 13km Individual Time Trial. Rwanda’s Vaincaire Masengesho triumphed, winning both the Best Young Rwandan Rider Jersey and the Best Rwandan Rider Jersey. Didier Munyaneza once again showcased his sprinting prowess by clinching the Intermediate Sprint Jersey.
Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne continued his dominance, securing the Best Young African Rider, Best African Rider, and Best Young Rider jerseys.
Stage 6
In the sixth stage, riders took on a high-powered 93.3km race, featuring a multitude of excellence. Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne went for another jersey haul, securing both the Best Young Rider and the Best Young African. While his Eritrean compatriot Dawit Yemane won the Best African Jersey.
The Rwandan cyclists showcased their mettle on home turf, with Rwanda’s Vaincaire Masengesho securing the Best Young Rwandan Jersey, while Eric Manizabayo secured the Best Rwandan Jersey, and their compatriot Didier Munyaneza won the Intermediate Sprint Jersey.
Stage 7
In the seventh stage, riders took on a taxing 158 km, filled with an interspread of climbs and sprints, giving cyclists a chance to showcase their versatility and determination.
Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne went for another jersey haul, securing both the Best Young Rider and the Best Young African. While his Eritrean Dawit Yemane won the Best African Jersey.
The Rwandan cyclists showcased their mettle on home turf, with Rwanda’s Vaincaire Masengesho securing the Best Young Rwandan Jersey, while Eric Manizabayo secured the Best Rwandan Jersey, and their compatriot Didier Munyaneza won the Intermediate Sprint Jersey.
Stage 8
In the eighth and final stage, riders took on a high surge of 73.6km, leaving everything out on the tar, aiming to claim a Jersey.
Eritrea’s Aklilu Arefayne went for another jersey haul, securing both the Best Young Rider and the Best Young African. While his Eritrean countryman Dawit Yemane won the Best African Jersey.
The Rwandan cyclists showcased their mettle on home turf, with Rwanda’s Vaincaire Masengesho securing the Best Young Rwandan Jersey, while Eric Manizabayo secured the Best Rwandan Jersey, and their compatriot Shemu Nsengiyumva won the Intermediate Sprint Jersey while Didier Munyaneza won the Most Combative Rider Jersey.
The Tour du Rwanda was a pure spectacle for fans and cyclists alike, who came together to create pure ecstasy on the roads of Rwanda.
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships represent a historic milestone for Rwanda, scheduled to take place from September 21 to 28. Against the backdrop of the nation’s breathtaking landscapes, this event not only demonstrates Rwanda’s growing prominence on the international stage but also serves as a testament to its progress and development as a host of world-class sporting events.
ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA
PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage. It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.
ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.
0 Comments