Kent Main’s excellent result in the eight-day Tour du Rwanda, which finished in Kigali on Sunday, has left him hungry for more success.

Kent Main (far right) placed fourth overall in the eight-day Tour du Rwanda, which finished in Kigali on Sunday. Photo: Supplied
The ProTouch rider finished third on the final stage and fourth overall, just one minute and 34 seconds behind Eritrea’s Natnael Tesfatsion.
“I’m excited to have finished fourth in a UCI 2.1. I think it’s the team’s most notable GC result so far.
“However, finishing just under two minutes off the podium always leaves you wanting more, so I’m hungry to see what’s next on the cards.”
Main said he really wanted to win a stage and felt a little disappointed it did not happen this time as he came close on more than one occasion.
“I was also aiming for a top-10 on the GC, which I’m happy to have achieved for the team.”
The 24-year-old felt happy with his form going into the tour and had good memories of the race in the past, so he was hopeful.
“I had great support from HB Kruger and Gustav Basson specifically, and the rest of the team (on and off the bike), so this result is as much theirs as it is mine.”
Main said the queen stage, which featured on day four, was the hardest on paper and the one where he pushed himself the hardest.
“It was also on this day that I finished second and jumped up on the GC, lining up the final result for us.”
He added that the route was very challenging, with about 15 000m of climbing. Other challenges were the rainy conditions and tough competition.
“I think this [route] favoured my strengths though, as I prefer it when the road goes uphill.”
Main said a highlight for him were the crowds in Rwanda, who were incredible and their support left him with goosebumps.
“It would be awesome to see something like this in South Africa.
“Overall, I now know what it takes to win a race at this level. I’m up for the challenge.”
He said it was important to gain international experience as it exposed you to wider competition, which improved tactical skills and your depth as riders.
“The local racing unfortunately is largely focused on the masses and the races are just not long enough or hard enough to set us up for success on the world stage.
“It also provides the all-important opportunity to gain UCI points for SA.”