Fabien Doubey Triumphs in 2025 Tour du Rwanda, Credits Team for Success
Fabien Doubey won the 2025 Tour du Rwanda, attributing his success to his dedicated team despite challenging weather conditions that led to the cancellation of the final stage. Rwandan cyclists also performed well, and preparatory efforts for the UCI Road World Championships in September are underway.
Fabien Doubey of TotalEnergies celebrated his victory in the 2025 Tour du Rwanda, crediting his teammates for their crucial support. The French cyclist was crowned champion based on the general classification results from Stage 6, held on March 1 from Nyanza to Canal Olympia in Kigali. The final stage was canceled due to severe weather, solidifying his lead after the sixth stage’s completion.
Doubey acknowledged his team’s remarkable 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.” This triumph did not come without controversy, as he and his team protested against competing in adverse conditions, which caused tension with rivals, particularly Henok Mulubrhan from Eritrea, who was trailing Doubey by just six seconds.
Inclement weather began around 11:30 AM, prior to the scheduled start of the last stage. While the initial rainfall was manageable, conditions deteriorated during the race, prompting officials to shorten the route significantly by excluding several challenging sections to ensure safety. Despite efforts to adapt, increasing rain led to the decision to cancel the race altogether.
The race directors invoked Article 2 of the UCI regulations, allowing for cancellations in exceptional circumstances. Consequently, the overall standings were based solely on Stage 6’s results, affirming Doubey’s victory and indicating the end of the Tour du Rwanda for 2025. Looking ahead, the champion is preparing for the upcoming UCI Road World Championships scheduled in September in Kigali.
The 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda also highlighted solid performances from Rwandan athletes, notably Vainqueur Masengesho, who secured seventh place overall. Additionally, Shemu Nsengiyumva earned the best climber accolade, while Samuel Niyonkuru was recognized as the best breakaway rider. Rwandan Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire attended the award ceremony, commending the event despite weather disruptions and emphasizing the nation’s preparedness for future competitions.
In summary, Fabien Doubey’s victory in the 2025 Tour du Rwanda exemplified the importance of teamwork and resilience in challenging conditions. The cancellation of the final stage, due to inclement weather, underscored the unpredictable nature of outdoor events. Rwandan athletes showcased commendable talent, further indicating potential for development in cycling within the nation. Preparations for the UCI World Championships indicate a promising future for Rwandan cycling, fostering hope for further international success.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
