Fabien Doubey won the Tour du Rwanda 2025, crediting his teammates for their support. The victory was confirmed after the last stage was canceled due to severe weather conditions. Doubey is now focused on the upcoming UCI Road World Championship in September, while local riders also demonstrated commendable performances during the event.
Fabien Doubey, a prominent rider for TotalEnergies, has expressed his gratitude towards his teammates for their vital support in securing victory at the Tour du Rwanda 2025. This recognition came following the team’s impressive performance throughout the race, culminating in Doubey being declared the winner based on the general classification results after Stage 6, which occurred on March 1, from Nyanza to Canal Olympia (Rebero). The seventh stage was unfortunately canceled due to inclement weather conditions.
After his victory was announced, Doubey praised his team for their extraordinary effort, stating, “Our team did a great job. It wasn’t easy to ride through this country’s weather conditions for us, but as a team, we persevered.” The final stage had to be abandoned as heavy rains that began at 11:30 AM severely impacted the racing conditions. While the initial rain did not warrant cancellation, conditions worsened dramatically during the first lap, which led to UCI officials making the decision to cancel the race.
Initially, the final stage was supposed to span 72 kilometers, but due to safety concerns with certain routes, it was modified to a shorter version. The revised circuit also faced further challenges as rain intensified, resulting in the race’s cancellation as the peloton approached the third lap. Per UCI regulations, the decision to cancel can be made due to exceptional circumstances that hinder the safe conduct of a race.
Consequently, the winner was decided based on the standings from Stage 6. This marked Doubey’s inaugural victory at the Tour du Rwanda, and he is now setting his sights on the forthcoming UCI Road World Championship in September. “I’m going to prepare for the world championship, so let’s see what’s next in September,” the 31-year-old rider remarked. The event also showcased strong local performances, with Rwandan cyclist Vainqueur Masengesho placing seventh overall.
Rwandan Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire attended the awarding ceremony and commended the race’s execution, despite the weather’s unforeseen impact. She noted the event’s significance in demonstrating Rwanda’s preparedness for the upcoming UCI World Championships and the commendable performance of the local cyclists. Mukazayire emphasized the ongoing efforts to prepare top Rwandan athletes for international competitions while also learning from the recent weather challenges to enhance future events.
Fabien Doubey’s victory at the Tour du Rwanda 2025 underscores the importance of teamwork and resilience in the face of challenging weather conditions. The cancellation of the final stage due to severe rain highlights the unpredictable nature of cycling events. As Rwanda gears up for the UCI Road World Championship, the progress and achievements of local cyclists promise a bright future for the sport in the region. The event ultimately exemplifies Rwanda’s commitment to developing competitive cycling athletes.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
