The 8th Tour of Rwanda (UCI 2.2) is currently taking place and the race organisers have posted some videos which show the incredible numbers of spectators lining the roadside of the eight-day race.
The video below shows crowds in Nyabugogo, northwest of Kigali with thousands of spectators along the road anticipating the arrival of the race. Numerous fans can also be seen standing on walls, balconies and vehicle roofs with some climbing up lamp posts to catch a better view.
The video has prompted a number of people to tag @UCI_cycling suggesting that the governing body should consider hosting the World Championships in the central African country.
Today’s 124.7-kilometre stage took the riders from Kigali to Karongi and was won by Rwandan rider Valens Ndayisenga (Dimension Data for Qhubeka) 1’06” ahead of Suleiman Kangangi (Kenyan Riders Downunder). Ndayisenga now leads overall by 1’25” from fellow Rwandan Joseph Areruya (Club Les Amis Sportifs De Rwamagana).
Insane crowds in #Nyabugogo #loveourfans #cyclingisourpassion pic.twitter.com/2fwJmKgot8
— Tour du Rwanda (@TourofRwanda) November 15, 2016
The below clip shows today’s stage winner Valens Ndayisenga crossing the line alone in Karongi at the end of the 124.7-kilometre stage and once again, the finish is packed with fans.
Watch @Valens_cycling winning stage 2 #tdrwanda pic.twitter.com/2XijLdCT5q
— Tour du Rwanda (@TourofRwanda) November 15, 2016
Better supported than the world champs!
Matt Reed
Read The Land of Second Chances… Quite simply, brilliant
lots of people — no bikes — could have been a political rally or anything
[…] this week, we posted some footage from a stage of the Tour du Rwanda which showed the enthusiasm of the locals for the […]