During the Tour du Rwanda 2024, Israel Premier Tech’s cycling sensation Peter Joseph Blackmore secured his victory in the final stage with a dramatic wheelie celebration at the Kigali Convention Centre. The British rider proved his mettle by winning Stage 8 with a solo sprint, completing 73.3 kilometers in 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 37 seconds. Henok Mulueberhane, last year’s champion, was replaced by the victor. Even with fierce opposition, Joseph prevailed by 30 seconds over TotalEnergies’ Pierre Latour and other prominent riders.
Here, it’s all about survival, so you have to constantly be in the right place. We only had a short stage today, but yes, it is really difficult. There are lots of turns, high climbs, and tired legs,” Blackmore remarked.
Yemane Dawit of Eritrea, the highest African competitor, placed tenth while riding for the German Team Cycle Aid. Regrettably, a shoulder ailment prevented Mulueberhane from defending his championship.
Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Rwanda’s minister of sports, commended the competition for its high caliber and ferocity. It is noteworthy that the final stage’s intensity is comparable to what is anticipated for the World Cycling Championships the following year. The competition this year shows that we are ready for the 2025 UCI Road World Championship and that our two years of training have been worthwhile.
There were ninety-four cyclists from nineteen teams in the 2024 event, although only sixty-three riders finished the 718.9km course—the shortest distance since 2009.
(Africanews)
