Eritrean Mekseb Debesay claims Stage 1 of Tour of Rwanda

*Rwanda’s Hadi Janvier tops general classification

Eritrean Mekseb Debesay arrived ahead of the rest to claim the first stage of Tour of Rwanda, with three more Eritreans following him closely as he crossed the finishing line in Ngoma district.

The Eritrean who rides for Team Bike Aid finished ahead his Moroccan counterpart Mouhssine Lahsaini, who he is competing with for the UCI Africa Tour continental honours.

Lahsaini found himself falling behind the chasing pack as Debesay set out to finish strong on the 96.4Km stage from Kigali to Ngoma.

“I did not have a particular strategy but as we approached the finish line, I decided to sprint because everyone was sprinting towards the finish. My efforts paid off. I cannot explain how happy I am,” an elated Debesay said

Rwanda’s Hadi Janvier remains ahead of the rest on general classification, retaining the yellow jersey for the second day in a row.

The second stage of Tour of Rwanda 2014 will be on Tuesday as riders prepare the first mountainous challenge in the Northern Province.

Source: Tour du Rwanda