By Thomas-Sean of Saint LegerPosted on 23-02-2019Modified on 23-02-2019 at 20:19

For its 11th edition, the Tour of Rwanda, which launches this Sunday, February 24th of the capital of the country, Kigali, lives a small revolution. The most popular race in Africa this year offers a plateau as high as ever, with European teams of the highest level and the best African selections. A move upmarket desired by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

With our special envoy to Rwanda ,

It was an expected, logical, almost inevitable boost for the little climbing tower. In April 2017, the UCI announced for its 2019 calendar a transition from the Rwandan loop from category 2.2 to 2.1. A small point that may not tell you anything, but that changes everything: from now on, the teams of the highest world level (World Tour or Continental Pro) can be invited.

Two years later, on the parking of the Classic Hotel of Kigali, the buses of the teams are made, for example, in the colors of Astana or Direct Energie, two great regulars of the Tour de France and major races of the calendar.

" We are curious , says Jean-Rene Bernaudeau, the inevitable manager of Direct Energie, Rwanda produces good runners, the event is honed, the public passionate. This is undoubtedly the example to follow for the African continent. Our role is to come here to make this race even more credible and to make dream the people who usually watch us at the Tour de France. "

"A fervor comparable to the Tour de France"

A promise of discovery that works in two-way, the rookies of the Tour of Rwanda also risking some nice surprises, whether it is about the profile of the 8 stages - Toboggan version - or the reception of the public: " We imagine the African races running on tracks, crossing villages, falling on spectators a bit by chance, but here it has nothing to do , says Philippe Le Gars, reporter at the journal L'Equipe and specialist in African cycling, there are connoisseurs and especially an incredible popular fervor, comparable to the Tour de France or the Tour of Italy .

A popularity also due to the good results of the Rwandan riders. The last five editions have been won by local children. In Kigali, anyone can name the names of Joseph Areruya, Valens Ndayisenga or Samuel Mugisha, the current stars, still hopeful this year on the podium. Even if necessarily, the task looks more complicated.

An authenticity to keep

It is now the main challenge of the organizers of the Tour of Rwanda: continue to grow the race, welcome more and more large teams, while maintaining the authenticity of the event. " It's an African Tour, so the idea is also to allow riders of the continent to be noticed , promises the general coordinator of the race, Olivier Grandjean. We will always keep a proportion of teams from the continent, it is very important . "

Proof that the formula works, two of the favorites of the event, the local Joseph Areruya (winner in 2017) and the Eritrean Merhawi Kudus, both revealed on the Rwandan roads with their national selections now run under the colors of teams professionals, Delko for the first, Astana for the second. What could give ideas to their young compatriots, Algerians or even Cameroonians, also starting this year.

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