Tour Du Rwanda: Restrepo Wins Stage Five As Tesfazion Retains Lead

Jhonatan Valencia Restrepo secured his second win of this year’s Tour du Rwanda as he sprinted to victory in stage five.

A relatively flat 84.7km route from Rubavu set up a bunch sprint in Musanze with Colombian rider Restrepo edging out a bunch of 14 riders in the last sprint.

The Team Androni Giocattoli rider, 25, was followed by Cardis Romain and behind race leader Natnael Tesfazion.

All the other main general classification hopefuls, like Hailu Biniam of Eritrea and Henock Mulue Berhan also came home in the main bunch.

Former champion Moise Mugisha from Rwanda stayed second overall despite coming home in 16th place.

Restrepo flexed his muscles as he crossed the line in a repeat of his celebration from his first Tour win in stage two.

Rwandan rider Seth Hakizimana of Skol Adrien Cycling Academy finished in 19th position, while Joseph Areruya, Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Samuel Mugisha came home in disappointing 27th, 52nd and 55th places, respectively.

A total of 71 riders started stage five doing three laps around Rubavu at the shores of L. Kivu before heading to Musanze.

Stage 5: (Rubavu-Musanze 84.7 km) awards’ list

1. Stage Winner: Valencia Restrepo Jhonatan (Colombia, Androni-Italy)
2. Yellow Jersey: Nathaniel Tesfazion (Eritrea National Team)
3. Best Climber of the day: Oyarzun Carlos (Chile, Bai Sicasal-Angola)
4. Best Sprinter: Yemane Dawit (Eritrea National Team)
5. Best Young Rider: Tesfazion Nathaniel (Eritrea National Team)
6. Best Combative Rider: Patrick Byukusenge (Rwanda, Benediction Ignite-Rwanda)
7. Best African: Tesfazion Nathaniel (Eritrea National Team)
8. Best Rwandan Rider: Mugisha Moise (Rwanda, SACA Team)
9. Team of the day: Eritrea National Team.