Stage two of Tour du Rwanda saw Swiss rider Simon Pellaud claim the overall lead when he won the longest stage of the tour in Rubavu, Rwanda, today.
The 180km stage featured six categorised climbs and reached 2 500m above sea level – no small task for the peloton. The former U23 Swiss national champion emerged victorious as he completed the course in 4:32:30, more than a minute ahead of the competition.
Matthieu Jeannes finished second with Didier Munyaneza in third.
Dimension Data’s Metkel Eyob crossed the line in fifth and yesterday’s winner, Joseph Areruya, in 10th. Their South African teammate Kent Main finished 16th after the race started in Nyanza.
Pallaud now leads the overall standings and victory today gave him a comfortable lead of more than a minute going into tomorrow’s 97.1km stage between Rubavu and Musanze. He is followed by Areruya and Valens Ndayisenga.
Swiss cyclist Simon Pellaud won stage two of Tour du Rwanda. Photo: Tour du Rwanda
Stage two results – 180km
1. Simon Pellaud (Switzerland) 4:32:30
2. Matthieu Jeannes (France) +1:30
3. Didier Munyaneza (Rwanda) +1:31
4. Suleiman Kangani (Kenya) ”
5. Metkel Eyob (Eritrea) ”
6. Tesfom Okubamariam (Eritrea) +1:33
7. Valens Ndayisenga (Rwanda) ”
8. Patrick Byukusenge (Rwanda) ”
9. Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Rwanda) +2:33
10. Joseph Areruya (Rwanda) +2:46
General classification
1. Simon Pellaud (Switzerland) 7:50:22
2. Joseph Areruya (Rwanda) +1:00
3. Valens Ndayisenga (Rwanda) +1:17
4. Suleiman Kangani (Kenya) +1:22
5. Patrick Byukusenge (Rwanda) +1:25
6. Tesfom Okubamariam (Eritrea) +1:29
7. Matthieu Jeannes (France) +1:30
8. Didier Munyaneza (Rwanda) ”
9. Metkel Eyob (Eritrea) +1:39
10. Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Rwanda) +2:15
