Eritrean Natnale Tesfazion Wins 2020 Tour Du Rwanda

Eritrean Natnael Tesfazion sealed the overall win in the 2020 Tour du Rwanda on Sunday evening in Kigali, safely coming home in Yellow jersey.

The 20-year-old becomes the third Eritrean rider to claim the converted title after Daniel Teklehaimanot in 2010 and Merhawi Kudus in 2019.

Rwandan Moise Mugisha, who was riding for local outfit Skol Adrien Cycling Academy (SACA), finished second while Patrick Schelling of Israel Start-Up nation finished in the third place.

Jose Manuel Diaz of Nippo Delko won the final stage, with Didier Munyaneza of Benediction Ignite launching an early attack after 4km with an 11-second lead.

The peloton caught Munyameza later and Moise Mugisha launched a solo attack in a bid to reduce the deficit on yellow jersey holder Tesfazion opening a 35 seconds lead.

Unusually for the final stage, Tesfazion lost time to all his overall rivals after holding back with all his Eritrea national team-mates to roll across the line together.

The team cross the line 53 seconds as Diaz claimed stage 8 with 2hours, 33 minutes and 24 seconds, just three seconds ahead of Mugisha while Tesfazion won the overall tour.

Tour du Rwanda 2020 awards’ list

1. Stage Winner: Diaz Gallego (Nippo Delko Marseille)
2. Best Team: Androni Giocattoli (Italy)
3. Best Rwandan: Mugisha Moise (SACA Team)
4. Best African Rider: Tesfazion Natnael(Eritrea)
5. Best Combative Rider: Munyaneza Didier (Benediction Ignite)
6. Best Young Rider: Tesfazion Natnael(Eritrea)
7. Best Sprinter: Yemane Dawit (Eritrea)
8. Best Climber: Rein Taramae (TOTAL Directe Energie)
9. Yellow Jersey Holder 2020: Tesfazion Nathaniel (Team Eritrea)

Final 3

1. Tesfazion Natnael(Eritrea): 23h12’01″
2. Mugisha Moise (SACA Team) : +54’’
3. Schellong Patrick (Israel Start Up Nation): 1’32″