On the cobbled summit finish at the Tour du Rwanda today the scenes were quite extraordinary.
The crowds at the Tour du Rwanda have been fantastic for the past week but on stage 6 into Kigali today the scenes really were quite extraordinary.
Not only did spectators absolutely pack the roadside, they really got into the spirit of the event; Rwanda clearly very taken with bike racing at present.
The stage finished atop the race’s version of the inconic Mur de Huy in Belgium; the aptly name Wall of Kigali.
And though the race was short at 103.9km, there was a real sting in the tail at the end in the UCI 2.2 ranked event.
The final climb was not only steep but also cobbled, with some of the spectators getting carried away – as we have seen so many times in Europe – and running with the riders.
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When some of those a little further back the field got off and walked, having been unable to keep their momentum going on the ascent, the crowds voiced their displeasure.
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Race leader Valens Ndayisenga of Dimension Data for Qhubeka came up the ascent solo out front and kept it going all the way to the line to take victory and extend his overall lead.
The 22-year-old from Rwanda was 6th in the prologue before winning stage 2 and taking the race lead.
He now has 42 seconds to spare over team mate Metkel Eyob (23) from Eritrea, with just one stage remaining.
Wall of Kigali stage 6 uphill finish
More from stage 6
Stage 4, packed finish
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