Rwanda’s Benediction Banafrica Team made a strong start to the 2026 Tour du Cameroun, securing the best team award after an impressive collective performance on the opening stage.
The race began on Wednesday, June 3, with a 124.6-kilometre stage featuring 46 riders from across the region.
Rwanda’s Masengesho Vainqueur delivered a standout performance, finishing second on the stage in a tightly contested sprint finish. He recorded the same time as stage winner Eric Rodrigue Kuere of Cameroon’s SNH Velo Club, with both riders clocking 2:59:40.
Masengesho’s result placed him among the early contenders in the general classification and set the tone for a positive day for the Rwandan squad.
Teammate Mugisha Moise also featured prominently, finishing fourth and just over two minutes behind the winner, while Uwiduhaye Mike came in 11th place, 2:19 adrift.
Further down the order, Nshimiyimana Phocas placed 24th and Uwihirwe Espoir finished 35th, as all five Benediction Banafrica Team riders completed the stage.
The collective consistency across the squad earned Benediction Banafrica Team the stage’s best team award, highlighting their depth and cohesion at the start of the multi-stage race.
The stage victory went to Cameroonian rider Eric Rodrigue Kuere, who edged a competitive field to secure the win on home soil.
With several stages remaining, Benediction Banafrica Team will look to build on its promising start as the race progresses through one of Central Africa’s key cycling competitions.
