Cycling: A second chance for Rwanda

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  The Tour de Rwanda harkened back to the early days of the Tour de France by using rough, unpaved roads.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Spectators weren't sure what to think at first, but became avid fans toward the end of the first Tour of Rwanda.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Fans lined the courses to catch a glimpse of their heroes

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Nathan Byukusenge's part time job revealed is talent for cycling.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Bicycles are ubiquitous in Rwanda, but few have machines suitable for racing.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  The event drew crowds that even the Tour de France would envy

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Nathan Byukusenge and teammate Jean De Dieu Uwimana

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Abraham Ruhumuriza gets support from the crowd as he heads to the finish in his home town of Butare.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  Festivities gave a local flavour to the Tour of Rwanda

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  The race used jerseys familiar to the rest of the world, but the Rwandan people learned quickly what they meant.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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  There are still stark reminders of the horror of the Rwandan genocide, but the people of this country have proven very resiliant.

  Photo credit © Mjrka Boensch Bees

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