http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2015-11-20/194557/
Debesay wins stage four but Rwanda keeps yellow jersey
By: PETER KAMASA
PUBLISHED: November 20, 2015
Eritrean Mekseb Debesay, riding for Team Aid of Germany, won stage four of the ongoing Tour du Rwanda on Thursday, from Musanze to Nyanza, after clocking four hours 21 minutes and 6 seconds in a distance of 166km.
It was his second stage win following his success in the first stage, from Nyagatare to Rwamagana on Monday.
But Team Rwanda Karisimbi’s Jean Bosco Nsengimana continues to wear the race leader’s yellow jersey despite finishing in 16th position in 4 hours, 21 minutes and 6 seconds.
Yesterday’s stage didn’t go well for Team Rwanda riders as none came in the top five, which was dominated by foreign riders; only defending champion Valense Ndayisenga made it inside the top ten.
Ndayisenga appeared to struggle in Ngororero as he tried to push to stay with the leading peloton, while Nsengimana didn’t adapt to the cold weather and was forced to wear a thicker jacket to enable him finish the race.
“Today was a bad day for us, I was not feeling well and even Valens had some sickness, but we believe tomorrow (today), we will be in good condition for stage five,” Nsengimana said.
The 22-year-old added that,”Today, it was raining and our bodies didn’t manage to adapt well to the weather. We will do everything to keep the yellow jersey.”
After the victory, Debesay said, “Sprint is my strong point. I knew I had a good chance of success. This is the fourth time, I’m winning a stage of the Tour of Rwanda, it is a great joy.” Last year, he won stage Kigali-Ngoma and Huye-Kigali.
Nsengimana continues to lead the race, best African, best Rwandan and best young rider, while Ammanuel Gebrezgabihier of Eritrea national team was named the best mountain climber for second successive day.
On the sixth day of Tour du Rwanda on Friday, stage five will see riders racing from Muhanga to Rubavu District, a total distance of 108 kilometers.
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/files/photos/1447968219TR3.jpg
##Abdallah Murenzi (L) with Mekseb Debesay, winner of Tour du Rwanda 2015 stage 4 (Musanze-Nyanza) yesterday.
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2015-11-20/194572/
Defending champion Valens Ndayisenga out of Tour du Rwanda
By: PETER KAMASA
PUBLISHED: November 20, 2015
Tour du Rwanda defending champion Valens Ndayisenga has pulled out of this year’s tournament after suffering angina during the race from Musanze to Nyanza on Thursday.
Angina is a medical term used for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
Ndayisenga has returned to his training bases at the Africa Rising Cycling Center in Musanze following his withdrawal.
Team Kalisimbi Coach Felix Sempoma told this paper that while the 21 years old will not be able to defend his title he believes Team Rwanda will retain title.
Ndayisenga appeared to struggle in Ngororero as he tried to push to stay with the leading peloton. “It’s big blow for the team but we have other riders who will cover for him”, Sempoma said.
“He has received treatment and the doctors have treated him well and he is fine now. Our aim is to see him back in good conditions and now he is responding well. He was in bad mood on Thursday after race but he has recovered” he added.
Yesterday’s stage didn’t go well for Team Rwanda riders as none came in the top five, which was dominated by foreign riders; only defending champion Valens Ndayisenga made it inside the top ten.
He was still in race of his title for the general classification as he was on seventh position after clocked 12h58’50’’in distance of 512 and one minute and 30 seconds behind leader of the race Jean Bosco Nsengimana.
The race remaining with 54 riders while it was started with 14 teams after Algeria pulled out at the last minutes.
Other riders who have abandoned the race include Ihlenfeld Stefan from South Africa National Team, Mohamed Elewa Yusuf, Mohamed Idriss Abdullah, Ayman Elsayed Mohamed and Mini Emanuel from Egypt National Team Dacal Brais and Saidov Ulugbek from Novo Nordisk Development and JELINIC Zvonimir from Novo Nordisk Development.
Others are Poli Umberto from Novo Nordisk Development, Muffat Adrien of Haute-Savoie/Rhone-Alpes, Clavel Sylvain - Haute-Savoie/Rhone-Alpes and Gathurima Kinoti Ayub-Kenya National Team.
Received on Fri Nov 20 2015 - 07:04:47 EST
