Asmara, 18 February 2024 – Eritrean professional cyclist Merhawi Kudus clinched the title of best African rider, while Aklilu Arefaine secured the distinction of best young African rider during Stage 1 of the Tour de Rwanda race today.
The team time trial race, held in the Rwandan capital city of Kigali, saw the Eritrean National team comprising athletes Merhawi Kudus, Aklilu Arefaine, Yafiet Mulugheta, Metkel Eyob, and Nahom Zeray complete the 18.3 km race in 21 minutes and 39 seconds, averaging a speed of 50.7 km/h. This outstanding performance placed them at the top among all participating national teams, with Rwanda in second place and South Africa in third.
Eritrea’s national team claimed the 6th position among all participating clubs and national teams in today’s race.
Belgian rider Jonathan Vervenne, representing the Soudal Quick-Step team, emerged victorious in today’s Stage 1 race, with Chris Froome of the Israel-Premier Tech team securing second place.
The Eritrean National team has previously won the Tour du Rwanda four times out of its five tournaments since it was elevated to a 2.1 level on the UCI in 2019.