KIGALI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Belgian rider Aldo Taillieu won the prologue of the 17th edition of the Tour of Rwanda international cycling competition in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, on Sunday.
Taillieu, who rides for Lotto Development Team, a Belgian professional cycling team, completed the 3.4-km individual time trial (ITT) from BK Arena to Amahoro Stadium in 3 minutes, 48 seconds.
The event was flagged off by Rwanda's President Paul Kagame alongside David Lappartient, president of the International Cycling Union (UCI).
Taillieu will wear the yellow jersey when the race resumes Monday with Stage 1, a 158-km ride from Rukomo in Gicumbi District, Northern Province, to Kayonza District in the Eastern Province.
"I am happy to have won the prologue race, and my plan is to win a stage or maybe finish in the top 10 in the general classification," Taillieu told reporters shortly after his victory.
He promised fans an exciting and thrilling race, urging them to come, support, and cheer as they ride.
The eight-stage race, running from Feb. 23 to March 2, 2025, covers 812 kilometers across Rwanda. The longest stage, from Rukomo to Kayonza, spans 158 km.
A total of 69 riders from 14 teams are competing, including 39 from Africa, 26 from Europe, three from Asia and Oceania, and one from the United States.
The challenging climbs and unpredictable weather of the mountainous terrain are expected to shape the race's outcome. Rwandan cyclists, historically strong climbers, will face key tests on the mountain stages, particularly Kigali-Musanze (121 km) and Musanze-Rubavu (102 km). Endurance will also be crucial in demanding back-to-back stages such as Rusizi-Huye (143 km) and Nyanza-Canal Olympia (114 km).
"This year's Tour of Rwanda carries added significance as we prepare for the historic 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the first of its kind on the African continent. Rwanda is committed to fostering sports excellence and creating pathways for emerging talent to thrive on the global stage," said Nelly Mukazayire, Rwanda's minister of sports.
Earlier in the day, Samson Ndayishimiye, president of the Rwanda Cycling Federation, and Lappartient launched the UCI Satellite Centre and the Refugee Cycling Program at Amahoro Stadium.
"Together, we are creating cycling opportunities for children while also helping to improve their lives, skills, and well-being," Lappartient said at the launch.
The annual race was a local event until it gained UCI recognition in 2009. It was upgraded to UCI 2.1 category in 2019.
This year's Tour of Rwanda serves as a precursor to the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, which will be held in Kigali in September. ■
