02-05-2009 03:12:47

Tour de Rwanda has been incorporated into the Africa tour of this year's International Cycling Calendar (UCI).

According to Aimable Bayingana, the president of the national cycling federation, the race has been added onto the international cycling calendar and awarded the "UCI Africa tour" label, which is a big landmark for Rwanda Cycling.

"Our ultimate target has always been to internationalise 'tour of Rwanda' and show that cycling is more than just a simple means of transport. We expect some of the biggest cycling stars in Rwanda including Lance Armstrong," Bayingana said.

The event scheduled for November 23 - 1 December and covering a total distance of 1069km is expected to cost over 300,000 euros. It will also have eight stages.

The longest stage will cover 163.5km while the shortest stage will go for 33.8km.

www.allafrica.com