Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-26 18:57:40
Israel Premier Tech’s cycling sensation, Peter Joseph Blackmore, made headlines at the Tour du Rwanda 2024 with an impressive victory in the final stage. The British cyclist, following in the footsteps of last year’s champion Henok Mulueberhane, demonstrated his skill and determination by winning Stage 8 with a solo sprint, covering a distance of 73.3 kilometers in just 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 37 seconds. Despite facing tough competition from riders like Pierre Latour of TotalEnergies, Blackmore finished 30 seconds ahead to secure his triumph.
In a post-race interview, Blackmore reflected on the challenges of the course, stating, “It’s just survival over here and you always have to be positioned well. There’s a lot of corners, steep climbs, fatigued legs, we only had a short stage today but yeah it is super hard.” His words encapsulated the demanding nature of the race and the physical strain it placed on the riders.
While Blackmore claimed the top spot on the podium, the top African contender, Yemane Dawit from Eritrea representing German Team Bike Aid, finished in 10th place. Sadly, last year’s champion, Mulueberhane, was unable to defend his title due to a shoulder injury, allowing new talent to rise to the forefront of the competition.
The significance of the Tour du Rwanda was not lost on the Rwandan minister of sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, who commended the level and intensity of the race. She noted, “Notably, the intensity of the final stage matches the level expected in the World Cycling Championships next year. This year’s tournament reflects our readiness for the 2025 UCI Road World Championship, and our two years of preparation have paid off.” The event served as a testament to Rwanda’s commitment to hosting world-class cycling competitions and showcasing the talent and determination of its riders.
The 2024 edition of the race featured 94 riders from 19 teams, with only 63 successfully completing the grueling 718.9km race. This marked the shortest distance for the Tour du Rwanda since 2009, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s event and the challenges faced by the cyclists.
As Peter Joseph Blackmore celebrated his victory with a thrilling wheelie at the Kigali Convention Centre, he not only secured his place in cycling history but also exemplified the spirit of perseverance and triumph that defines the sport. His performance, alongside the other riders who participated in the Tour du Rwanda 2024, showcased the beauty of cycling and the incredible determination of athletes to push themselves to their limits in pursuit of greatness.
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