KIGALI, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- British rider Ethan Vernon won the first stage to claim the yellow jersey as the 15th Tour of Rwanda international cycling competition kicked off Sunday in the Rwandan capital city Kigali.
Vernon won the first stage from Kigali to the Rwamagana district in eastern Rwanda after covering a distance of 115.6km in two hours, 45 minutes and 52 seconds.
The entire race, to run from February 19-26, consists, as has been the case every year, of long climbs during most of the eight stages. 95 riders of 19 teams are expected to cover a total distance of 1129km around the country.
"We expect exciting performance from all the riders," said Rwandan Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, who flagged off the first stage at Kigali Golf and Resort Villas. The Minister also extended gratitude to the International Cycling Union (UCI) for their support of the development of cycling in Rwanda.
Four new nationalities including China are in this year's race and nine new teams are making their debut, according to officials.
The annual race was initially a local race until it was recognized by the International Cycling Union in 2009. It was upgraded to UCI 2.1 Category in 2019. Eritrea's Natnael Tesfatsion who rides for Italian club Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli won the 14th edition last year.
Tour of Rwanda continues Monday with Stage Two from Kigali to the Gisagara district in southern Rwanda, covering a distance of 132.9km. Enditem
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