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Kieran Gordge battled through extremely tough conditions at the 2025 Tour du Rwanda to end as South Africa’s top performer at the event, writes MARK LEMKE. The 20-year-old cyclist has now returned to his home in Stellenbosch from where he spoke about his experience in Rwanda and his plans for the remainder of 2025.
“It started off well for me in the prologue (an initial time trial to decide who wears the yellow jersey for the first stage) and it continued to get smoother in the next two stages. I was close to the top ten after those stages and then I unfortunately suffered mechanical issues with my bike. The terrain was very challenging, and coupled with the heat and altitude, it made for a difficult race. Despite that, I was enjoying every moment of it.”
Gordge overcame his mechanical issues to secure 22nd after the final stage but went on to say, “I think there was more to achieve in the race for me, but that’s how cycling is, you can’t always have things go your way. I feel positive about my performance and there are plenty of positives to take away.”
Gordge will be taking the positives from Rwanda overseas to Portugal where he will train and ride with his team, Obidos Cycling Team, as he pedals towards his goal of becoming a professional cyclist.
“In the middle of March, I am off to Portugal to compete in some UCI races. Looking ahead to the rest of the year I will be focusing on improving my consistency. I know I can’t jump right to the top. I have to be consistent first. In a few years I hope to be established as a professional cyclist. I am still young so I believe I can achieve that dream.”
This weekend Gordge will be a contender at the Cape Town Cycle Tour. “It’s a massive event in South Africa and it will be a huge goal for me.” After this weekend he will be preparing his travel kit for his trip to Portugal where he looks to continue his upward trajectory towards the top level of cycling.
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