Joseph Areruya (Rwanda) took the biggest win of his career in Gabon yesterday when he won the La Tropicale Amissa Bongo (2.1) overall. In doing so, he became the first Rwandan rider to win a 2.1 race.
Areruya, who rides for the Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental team, finished safely in the bunch on the 140-kilometre seventh stage from Bikélé to Libreville which was won by Luca Pacioni (Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia)
The 22 year-old finished 18″ ahead of German rider Nikodemus Holler (Bike Aid) with Damien Gaudin (Direct Energie) in third at 50″. Areruya also won the youth category, finishing over eight minutes ahead of second-placed rider Salim Kipkemboi (Bike Aid) from Kenya.
Areruya set up his overall win when he won Stage 4. He outsprinted Ilia Koshevoy (Wilier Triestina – Selle Italia) at the end of the 182-kilometre stage from Ndjolé to Mitzic. Holler and Gaudin were next across the line with the next best rider over seven minutes down.
Stage 4 Highlights
Areruya took over the yellow jersey from previous race leader Brenton Jones (Delko Marseille Provence KTM) with five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault on the podium to give him the jersey.
It’s the second stage race victory for Areruya in recent months having won the Tour du Rwanda (2.2) back in November in addition to two stage wins. He also impressed in Europe last season, winning a stage of the Giro Ciclistico d’Italia (2.2U).
Stage 7 Highlights
