Tour du Rwanda 2015 Stage 7

photo credits @ Tour du Rwanda 

Eritrea’s Metkel Byob won the 7th and final stage of this year’s Tour du Rwanda today, beating fellow countryman, Amanuel Meron, in a final sprint for the line.  

Meanwhile, Jean-Bosco Nsengimana (Team Rwanda Karisimbien) solidified his overall race victory, after finishing safely in fourth place.

Race Highlights

Today’s 120 kilometer route around the hilly city of Kigali, marked this year’s longest stage.  

With six laps underway, Morocco’s Abdullah Hida managed to escape the main field, and quickly establish a slight advantage over the peloton.  

However, a further lap later, Bonaventure Uwizeyimama took over the lead, while the chase kept a watchful eye over the young 22-year old rider.  

As the race entered into the 8th lap, Byob came to the fore, as the rain continued to pound the race.

From there, a small contingent of Moroccan riders took to front with fierce determination, subsequently causing a panic throughout the peloton.

However, as the heavy rain continued to bear down on the race, Janvier Hadi suddenly emerged from out of the chaos during the final lap, to create a slight lead for himself.

But, just as Hadi looked poised for victory, out of nowhere came Byob, who quickly caught and passed Hadi during the waning moments of the race, to seize the victory. 

In the meantime, Meron, followed by Nsengimana and Joseph Areruya were quick to respond to Byob’s move as well, which not only resulted in the Bike Aid rider clinching second place over Hadi, but ensured Team Rwanda’s final 1-2-3 spots on the podium. 

“I’m happy with the general performance of the team, the aim is to now get more boys to qualify for the Olympics and the major European tours,” Team Rwanda cycling manager, Jock Boyer, said.

“If you could feel the passion, energy and anticipation during [Tour of Rwanda] you’d soon agree that this is East Africa’s number one sporting event”. 

Olé olé olé olé olé #TdRwanda (Video of @jousset_rfi) pic.twitter.com/PAMeeXc8Vr

— Tour du Rwanda (@TourofRwanda) November 22, 2015

Stage 7 results

1 Metkel Eyob (Eri) Eritrea 03:02:35
2 Amanuel Meron (Eri) Bike Aid
3 Joseph Areruya (Rwa) Team Rwanda Akagera
4 Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Rwa) Team Rwanda Karisimbi
5 Janvier Hadi (Rwa) Team Rwanda Karisimbi
6 Patrick Byukusenge (Rwa) Team Rwanda Karisimbi 0:00:13
7 Julien Liponne (Fra) Team Haute-Savoie Rhône-Alpes 0:00:15
8 Lukas Winterberg (Swi) Suisse Meubles Descartes 0:00:17
9 Temesgen Buru (Eth) Ethiopia
10 Weldu Hafetab (Eth) Ethiopia

Final General Classification

1 Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Rwa) Team Rwanda Karisimbi 23:54:50
2 Joseph Areruya (Rwa) Team Rwanda Akagera 00:01:45
3 Camera Hakuzimana (Rwa) Rwanda Muhabura 00:02:45
4 Metkel Eyob (Eri) Eritrea 00:03:02
5 Patrick Byukusenge (Rwa) Team Rwanda Karisimbi 00:03:04
6 Lukas Winterberg (Swi) Suisse Meubles Descartes 00:03:12
7 Joseph Biziyaremye (Rwa) Team Rwanda Akagera 00:03:44
8 Nathan Byukusenge (Rwa) Rwanda Muhabura 00:03:47
9 Julien Liponne (Fra) Team Haute-Savoie Rhône-Alpes 00:03:48
10 Jérémy Bescond (Fra) Team Haute-Savoie Rhône-Alpes 00:04:26