November 19, 2016 (Kigali, Rwanda) – Valens Ndayisenga won the 6th Stage of the Tour du Rwanda after attacking the field on the descent off of the second categorized climb of the day into the capital of Kigali. Ndayisenga’s lead extended to 48 seconds at 2km to go, however by the finish he was joined by team mate Metkel Eyob. The planned 103.9km stage from Musanze to Kigali was shortened to just 91.9km due to heavy rain that plagued the field for most of the day. The finished cat. 1 climb included a 500m section of cobbles that averaged 12% and maxed out at 17%. Ndayisenga keeps a comfortable gap of 42 seconds over Eyob in the General Classification, and 1:33 over Tesform Okubamariam (Eritrea).

Timothy Rugg of the Canadian LowestRates.ca Cycling Team finished 7thth on the day, after making a select group over the top of the second climb of the day. Ethiopia set a high pace on the 6.9km ascent which averaged 4.7%. Brett Wachtendorf, also of LowestRates.ca finished 17th, 3:28 back.

The Canadian squad now has three riders within the top-20 on GC, with Rugg in 12th, Wachtendorf in 16th, and South African Edward Greene in 17th. With these results, the team is currently placed 4th on the team GC. 2015 Canadian Road Champ Guillaume Boivin of the Cycling Academy Team finished 34th today, 6:01 back.

Massive crowds lined the streets of Kigali as riders entered into the city. Police and security guards were employed to keep the roads relatively clear in the final kilometers. It is estimated that throughout the entire Tour, over a quarter of the entire Rwandan population views the race in person.

Tomorrow, Stage 7 makes the end of the eight day Tour. The 108km circuit race around Kigali consists of nine laps, including a 400m finishing climb at 10.3%. With Dimension Data for Qhubeka riding strong, and Ndayisenga enjoying a comfortable lead, it is unlikely that there will be a major shakeup for the Yellow Jersey, but there could be a shake up within the top-5.

Results (brief)

1. Valens Ndayisenga (Rwa) Dimension Data for Qhubeka 2:20:38
2. Metkel Eyob (Eri) Dimension Data for Qhubeka
3. Tesfom Okubamariam (Eri) Eritrea National Team :10
4. Kibrom Hailay Giday (Edre) Ethiopia National Team :12
5. Patrick Byukusenge (Rwa) Club Benediction :15

7. Timothy Rugg (USA) LowestRates.ca :21
17. Brett Wachendorf (USA) LowestRates.ca 3:28
33. Edward Greene (Rsa) LowestRates.ca 5:47
34. Guillaume Boivin (Can) Cycling Academy Team 6:01
43. Cameron McPhaden (Can) LowestRates.ca 9:07

GC after Stage 6

1. Valens Ndayisenga (Rwa) Dimension Data for Qhubeka