http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2016-11-11/205234/
Kenya, Egypt pull out of 2016 Tour du Rwanda
By: Geoffrey Asiimwe
Published: November 11, 2016
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The national cycling teams of Kenya and Egypt have withdrawn from this
year’s Tour du Rwanda due to start Sunday through November 20.
Their withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon by Rwanda
Cycling Federation (FERWACY) president Aimable Bayingana in a news
conference in Kicukiro.
“Today we have been informed by officials from Kenya and Egypt that
their teams will not be able to take part in this year’s event. They
did not disclose the reasons behind the decision but we always expect
such eventualities,” said Bayingana. Earlier, two UCI Continental
teams – Sharjah Cycling Team (United Arab Emirates) and Tirol Cycling
(Austria) – had also opted out this year’s race and had been replaced
by the national teams of Kenya and Cameroon.
Bayingana said: “Normally, most teams confirm their participation and
rosters before they receive the necessary funding from their
respective countries which at times doesn’t come and this can be
realised at the last minute.”
He, however, expressed hope all the other 12 foreign teams will show
up. The development means that this year’s event will attract six
national teams namely; Cameroon, South Africa, Ethiopia, Eritrea,
Algeria and Rwanda.
The race will also attract four UCI continental teams, including
Dimension Data For Qhubeka (South-Africa), Kenyan Riders Downunder
(Kenya), Cycling Academy Team (Israel), and Stradalli-Bike Aid
(Germany).
In addition, five other clubs from different countries have confirmed
to participate this year’s 8th edition.
They include; Rwanda’s Les Amis Sportif de Rwamagana and Benediction
Club (Rubavu) as well as Team Lowest rates.Com (Canada), Team
Haute-Savoie Rhone-Alpes (France) and Team Furniture Decarte
(Switzerland).
Canada’s Lowest rates.com were the first foreign team to arrive in
Rwanda – on Sunday – while the other teams were expected to start
arriving on Thursday.
editorial_at_newtimes.co.rw
Received on Sat Nov 12 2016 - 15:41:13 EST