Kigali — The Rwanda senior national team of cyclists emerged the winner of a 1,072Kilometer riding tourney beating other teams from four East African countries.

The 10th week long riding event entitled 'Tour du Rwanda' which attracted teams from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania was recently held in Rwanda, covering some selected places in the country of a thousand hills. Rwanda, the host country was represented by two teams A and B in six teams that participated.

Adrian Niyonshuti from Rwanda A was the overall winner completing 1,072Km in 29:07:52hours followed by Nathan Byukusenge and Obed Ruvogera from the same team on the second and third positions respectively. Rwanda maintained the first six positions leaving the seventh to Anthony Mwite from Kenya, the thirteenth to Geesa Asman from Uganda and the eighteenth to Tanzanians. Burundian cyclists didn't complete the race.

In the team rankings, Rwanda A came first followed by Rwanda B, Kenya, and Uganda as well as Tanzania.

The best three teams were rewarded US$3703, US$2,222 and $925 respectively. In every stage, the first five individual cyclists scoped $92, $74, $55, $37, and $18 respectively while in the overall winner category, the best 10 cyclists were rewarded $555, $462, $370, $333, $277, $240, $222, $203 $185 and $165 respectively.

The secretary of Rwanda cycling federation, Mr. Emmanuel Murenzi said that they want the competition included on the international calendar.

"We want Tour du Rwanda to be included on the international cycling calendar.

We are working hard to see that the next edition we are recognised internationally and join the continental big tours such as tour du Burkina Faso and Cameroon", he said.

The much enjoyed event in the country of a thousand hills was sponsored to the tune of $50,000 by different private companies, government parastatals and the ministry of sports and culture as well as the national Olympics committee.