Eritrean Cyclists Dominate Rwanda's Kiwita Izina Tour

Photo of the Eritrean Cycling Team in Eritrea's Gash Barka

Eritrean Cyclists Dominate Rwanda's Kiwita Izina Tour

The Eritrean cycling team continue to dominate African cycling competitions by wining the first and second places at the 2011 Tour of  Kiwita Izina in Rwanda.

Eritrea’s Daniel Teklehaimanot won the Kwita Izina cycling tour with a time of 9 hours, 12 minutes and 18 seconds, while his Eritrean compatriot Frekalsi Debesai came in second place with a time of nine hours, 13 minutes and 31 seconds, and Morocco's Adil Jelloul claiming the final slot at the podium with a time of 9:16:53.

The first stage of the course was held last Saturday and took place from the Rwandan towns of  Kigali to Kinigi (100km). The winners of this stage who stood from 1st to 3rd are Eritrea's Daniel Teklehaymanot, Frekalsi Debesai, and Meron Russom respectfully.

The second stage of the course was held in the evening of last Saturday between the towns of Kinigi and Rubavu (63km). The winners of the second stage who stood from 1st to 3rd are Daniel Teklehaymanot,  Morocco's Tarik Chaoufi and Adil Jelloul.

The third and final stage took place between Rubavu and Kigali (158km) of last Sunday, and the winners who stood from 1st to 3rd in this stage are Daniel Teklehaymanot,  Frekalsi Debesai, and Morocco's Adil Jelloul securing third place.

First place victory for each stage earned the winner 415,000 Rwandan Franc (692 USD), the second place winner for each stage earns 207,000 Rwandan Franc (345 USD), while third place finish for each stage fetched 103,000 Rwandan Franc (171 USD). The overall winner of the race will walk away with an additional 431,000 Rwandan Franc (718 USD). In total, Daniel Teklehaymanot pocketed 2,794 Dollars, Frekalsi Debesai won 690 dollars, and Meron Russom  walked away with 171 dollars.

The entire Kiwita Izina course consisted of 321km (200 miles) long and hosted some 60 athletes from Eritrea, Algeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Morocco, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Tanzania.

The next racing course for the Eritrean team will be the Tour of Algeria on June 27 of this year. It is to be noted, Eritrea will host the 2011 African Championships from November 9 - 13.


Final Result

Nations	Athlete Names	Times
1| Eritrea	Daniel Teklehaymanot	9:12:18
2| Eritrea	Frekalsi Debesai	9:13:31
3| Morocco	Adil Jelloul	9:16:53

Eritrean Cyclist Practicing in Asmara

Daniel and Meron taking a water break

Eritrean Team in Libya

Eritrean Team at Asmara Airport After Returning From Rwanda's Recent Tour

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