Israel Premier Tech Cycling Team claimed a win at the Tour de Rwanda on February 19, after Itamar Einhorn surged in the last stages of the race to emerge victorious in Stage 2 of the event. It was the first time Israeli cyclists won a race in the tournament.
The win moved Einhorn into the leader’s yellow jersey (worn by the rider with the fastest total time across the entire race) going into Stage 3.
Einhorn, who covered 130 kilometers in his part of the race, said the win was “a result of hard work and preparation. I felt like I had no real challengers in this sprint. There’s no better way to start the season. I’m ecstatic!”
The 26-year-old cyclist, who has not raced since October 2023, said he felt “happy” to represent the Israeli champion’s jersey in Rwanda, a country which many still associate with the 1994 genocide.
“It’s proof that a normal world can exist. You can see it here with the Rwandan people. We can live next to each other, just with better decisions,” he said.
Einhorn also acknowledged the pivotal role in the victory played by his teammate, decorated Kenyan-British road racing cyclist Chris Froome.
“Chris was wonderful,” Einhorn said. “He closed down the breakaway in the last kilometer, giving me the chance to win. Truthfully, he also helped me to my first victory in the Tour de Slovakia.”
The victory in Rwanda came on the first anniversary of the Field of Dreams cycling center, founded by Premier Tech Cycling Team and its owner, Israeli-Canadian billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams.
Over the past year, the Field of Dreams has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for aspiring cyclists in Bugesera, a district in Eastern Province, Rwanda. Froome noted his hope for these Rwandan cyclists: “The ultimate goal over the next decade is to have somebody from Bugesera reach the top level of professional cycling,” he said.
Adams praised Einhorn and Froome’s victory in the race, stating: “I am proud of the work that my team did in Rwanda. This project, realized with the help of our many fans worldwide, reflects our Jewish values of improving our world and promoting peace and friendship globally.”
“Despite the challenges, including the tragic events of October 7, we are inspired by the resilience of both the Israeli and Rwandan peoples.”
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