Ethan Vernon is the first leader of the eight-day Tour du Rwanda, after taking the opening stage with a powerful sprint.
One of Africa’s most important races got underway Sunday morning, when a total of 19 teams lined out in Kigali for the 26th edition. Among these, our feeder squad – Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team – which made its first appearance of the season with the likes of Gil Gelders, William Junior Lecerf, Pepijn Reinderink and Ethan Vernon, who joined them from the big team.
Victorious this season in the Trofeo Palma, the last race of the Challenge Mallorca, Ethan was the team’s card for the 115km stage which consisted of a hilly first part followed by four laps of an undulating circuit in Rwamagana. Having reeled in the day’s breakaway, Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team remained in control also in the last 20 kilometers, setting a fierce pace that stretched out the peloton and prevented any other attacks.
Despite things becoming a bit messy as the bunch went charging under the flamme rouge, where more and more teams began jostling for position, Ethan found an opening with 250 meters to go and unleashed a powerful sprint that saw him put several bike lengths into the other riders on his way to a fifth success in the pro ranks.
“It feels nice to win again so early in the season. It was nice to ride with the boys, they were all really strong and put on an impressive display, riding at the front from kilometer zero until the finish, all the time 100% committed. I am happy I could repay them with a victory and to have such a good start here. It’s great to be in Rwanda, the course was nice and the crowds were amazing, never seen something like this before! We’re enjoying it so far and we hope to get some more strong results”, said Ethan, who in addition to the GC leads also the points and best young rider classification.
Photo credit: ©Tour du Rwanda
