Team Rwanda cyclist Janvier Hadi has clinched gold in the men’s road race of 150km at the ongoing All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.
Janvier Hadi. (Courtesy)
Hadi was in a group of eight in a breakaway peloton in the first lap with fellow country-mates Joseph Biziyaremye up against a strong field of continental elite riders like South Africa’s Hendrik Kruger.
Jean-Claude Uwizeye and Camera Hakuzimana attempted to breakaway in the early stages of the 12-lap circuit race but the peloton caught up with them.
Biziyaremye was unlucky to suffer a puncture leaving Hadi with Rwanda’s sole chance to earn a podium finish and indeed he did not disappoint.
Hadi, who is known for as the ‘sprint master’, accelerated in the final lap to gain a one minute lead on the chasing peloton, crossing the finish line in style to secure Rwanda’s first gold medal at the continental multisport event.
The 24-year-old was also part of Rwanda’s team time trial side that won bronze on Thursday at the same competition.
By Usher Komugisha, The New Times