Bonaventure Uwizeyimana will lead Team Rwanda at this year’s edition of the of the La Tropicale Amissa Bongo set to start on February 27 in Franceville and end in Libreville on March 3.

The former Dimension Data rider ,who became the first Rwandan to win a stage at La Tropicale Amissa Bongo,leads a young squad that will be chasing a stage win.

The six man squad includes four riders who will be making their debut at the 12th edition of La Tropicale Amissa Bongo.

Regarded as one of the most promising Rwandan riders,Rene Ukiniwabo is among the ones set to make his first appearance, whilst Alex Nizeyimana,Samuel Hakiruwizeye, and Eric Nduwayo will also make their debut.

Also in the squad is Jeremie Karegeya who returns to racing after last year’s Tour du Rwanda.

Team Rwanda coach, Sempoma Felix says the team heads to Gabon with modest expectations “We go into this race to gain experience for the new riders and possibly another stage win for Bonaventure.He is the only Rwandan to ever win a stage at Amissa Bongo and hopes to use his experienceto help the next generation of young riders.With the exception of Jeremie Karageya, the other four our all young, new riders who will be experiencing Amissa Bongo for the first time."

15 teams including Team Direct Energie which accustomed to the Tour de France, have been selected for this year’s edition.The peleton also includes five riders who have participated in the Tour de France namely Voeckler (14 participations), Gene (6), Vorganov , Pichot (2) and Naulleau (1).