Cyclists who took part in the Tour du Rwanda have told the BBC that they “felt safe” despite concerns over security at this year’s race.
The route for the eight-day event passed close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo on two occasions, bringing competitors within 20 kilometres of the cities of Goma and Bukavu, both of which have been captured by the M23 rebel group in the last five weeks.
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This led Belgian team Soudal Quick-Step to withdraw before the Tour began.
But South Africa national team rider Ryco Schutte told BBC Tigrinya he “wasn’t feeling unsafe at any moment.”
Lotto Development Team’s Belgian cyclist Kamiel Eeman added: “I really like Rwanda. I felt safe. I haven’t noticed anything.”
