Great Britain’s rising star Joseph Blackmore (Israel-Premier Tech) capped off a dominant performance at the Tour du Rwanda 2024, securing both the second stage victory on Sunday and the coveted yellow jersey for the overall race win.
The 21-year-old rider, already donned in yellow from his triumph on Mont Kigali on Friday, cemented his lead with a decisive attack on the challenging Mur de Kigali climb with less than 10 kilometers remaining.
This bold move left his competitors in the dust, solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard.
Blackmore, returning to the Rwandan stage after a strong 6th place finish in 2023, expressed his satisfaction with this year’s victory. “It’s a race I already enjoyed a year ago, and I wanted to come back this year to do better,” he declared.
“It was a great challenge, and I succeeded. Winning the Tour du Rwanda, a beautiful yet demanding race, makes me very proud.” He added
The final stage, drawing inspiration from the circuit planned for the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, served as Blackmore’s platform for another impressive display.
Despite holding a narrow lead, he opted for an aggressive approach, attacking and clawing back 30 seconds from his rivals. This audacious strategy proved successful, showcasing his talent and determination.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Blackmore, celebrating his first year as a professional rider and his first race with the Israel-Premier Tech team.
Stepping up to compete alongside the team’s elite riders, he further solidifies his potential as a force to be reckoned with in the cycling world.
