Winner Natnael Tesfatzion (center) (Drone Hoppet-Androni) from Eritrea and Ukrainian Budiak Anatolii (third left) (Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team) 2nd overall and Australian Jesse Ewart (second right) (Bike Aid) 3rd overall, are seen on the podium after the final stage of the 14th Tour du Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, Feb 27, 2022. (SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP)

KIGALI - Eritrean cyclist Natnael Tesfazion won the Tour du Rwanda international cycling competition that concluded Sunday at Olympia Canal in Rwanda's capital city Kigali.

Natnael Tesfazion won the 14th edition of the annual race in a time of 23 hours, 25 minutes and 34 seconds. It is the second time the Eritrean has won the Tour du Rwanda

Tesfazion won the 14th edition of the annual race in a time of 23 hours, 25 minutes and 34 seconds.

It is the second time the Eritrean, who rides for Drone Hopper—Androni Giocattoli, has won the Tour du Rwanda.

READ MORE: On the glory trail

"This is my second time to win Tour du Rwanda. I am so excited to achieve this record. It is an incredible feeling standing here on top of the podium after winning such a difficult and tiring race," Tesfazion told reporters afterwards.

Rwandan national Moise Mugisha, who rides for South Africa's ProTouch, won stage 8 of the Tour in two hours, eight minutes and 16 seconds.

"The last two years have been difficult for the riders because of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, but this year is better with eased COVID-19 restrictions and people have been vaccinated against the pandemic," said Abdallah Murenzi, president of the Rwanda Cycling Federation.

Murenzi added that the Tour du Rwanda will help the country and its riders to better prepare for the World Championships.

ALSO READ: HK's Sarah Lee wins gold at 14th National Games

The 14th Tour du Rwanda covered a total distance of 937.1 kilometers, with 19 teams competing in eight stages across the country.