By RFIPosted 04-03-2019Modified on 04-03-2019 at 19:58
The 11th Tour of Rwanda, the hardest and most difficult in history, ended Sunday (March 3rd) with the victory of Eritrean rider Astana Merhawi Kudus. Back in pictures on the highlights of the race.
Before the fight, the peace of the brave. The favorites of the 11th pose on the eve of the departure, Saturday, February 23. From left to right: Samuel Mugisha (Rwanda), Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea), Rein Taaramäe (Estonia), Joseph Areruya (Rwanda), Timothy Rugg (USA).
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
The Eritreans have dynamited this Tour of Rwanda, with many attacks and two victories for the national team, not to mention those of Merhawi Kudus, which rolls for Astana.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
The mechanic of the Delko team pampered the machine of the Rwandan Joseph Areruya, winner 2017 and favorite of the public.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
On the second day, the yellow jersey is also on the shoulders of Areruya's teammate, the Italian Alessandro Fedeli, winner in Kigali, of the 1st stage. At the briefing, the riders listen to the instructions of the sports director, Andy Flickinger.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
But in Huye, it's the riders of Astana who drink! Eritrean Merhawi Kudus has won the second stage. This is his second bouquet in the race, 7 years after the first.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
Merhawi Kudus relaxed before taking the start of the 3rd stage, yellow jersey on the shoulders. Here in big discussion with Mussie Asehel, the sports director of the national team of Eritrea.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
The hills of Rwanda, with their multiple shades of green. Difficult to enjoy on the bike, the pace is supported, especially in the many climbs.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
At the end of the third stage (Huye - Rubavu), the longest and hardest in the history of the event (213km, 5 climbs), the faces are already marked by fatigue. Here Rein Taaramäe (Direct Energie).
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
To see the runners, we must make his place, by the road or on the balconies. The Tour of Rwanda is the most popular in Africa. According to estimates, of the 8 stages, 3 million people attend the show.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
We sing, we dance, sometimes without the sneakers. The Tour of Rwanda is also a big popular festival, expected all year long by the inhabitants of towns and villages.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
In contrast, soup grimace among Rwandan supporters. Unlike previous years, local runners do not shine. They will finish the Round with a zero point: no stage win.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
The very modern "Africa Rising Cycling Center". Visit here of the workshop.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
In some cities in Rwanda, there is almost one bike per inhabitant. Example here in Nyamata, where the Polish Kasperkiewicz (Delko) is needed on the day of his 25 years.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
Runners storm the formidable wall of Kigali, a 450-meter-high paved coastline with almost 15% average slope. It will be climbed three times during this last stage.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
Finally, Merhawi Kudus assures and retains his yellow jersey for 10 '' ahead of Rein Taaramäe. Solid card for Astana since it is the Colombian Rodrigo Contreras Pinzon who wins the stage.
© RFI / Thomas of Saint-Léger
On the same subject
Tour of Rwanda: The Merhawi Kudus Ransom
[Video] Tour of Rwanda: with the team of Joseph Areruya
Cycling: The Tour of Rwanda changes gear
Cycling: Hécatombe for Rwanda at the Tour de l'Avenir
Rwandan cycling tour: Samuel Mugisha gets closer to the title
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