Sklyarova Yelizaveta secured the yellow jersey on the second day of the Tour des Reines et des Tambours, marking her second consecutive lead in the competition. The Kazakhstani cyclist finished ahead of two competitors from Kenya's Amani club. Following her performance, Sklyarova Yelizaveta stated her commitment to maintaining her position. "Sklyarova Yelizaveta s’engage à travailler dur, pour se maintenir en tête du classement," she said, acknowledging the challenging nature of the race. She further added, "Après ces performances rassurantes, Sklyarova Yelizaveta s’engage à travailler dur, pour se maintenir en tête du classement, bien que la bataille est très difficile à pronostiquer." Sklyarova Yelizaveta's consistent performance has positioned her as a strong contender early in the multi-stage event.
Stage Two Notes
The second stage of the Tour des Reines et des Tambours featured the criterium Nyagasasa-Gitega, a route that covered a distance of 69 kilometers. Following the conclusion of this stage, medals were presented to the top three cyclists. Claudette Nyirarukundo and Reda Eyerusalem Haftu, both representing the Amani club, completed the stage in 2 hours 50 minutes 19 seconds. Sklyarova Yelizaveta's victory in this stage solidified her lead, demonstrating her competitive edge against the strong field of international participants. The criterium format tested the riders' speed and tactical skills over multiple laps of the demanding 69km course.
Burundian Cycling Landscape
Burundian cyclist Odette Nsengiyumva achieved a notable result by dethroning Anastasie Gahuzenge. Nsengiyumva subsequently appealed to the Burundian government, stating, "Odette Nsengiyumva demande au gouvernement burundais de les tester avec les mêmes équipements que ces athlètes étrangères." This appeal notes concerns among local athletes regarding resource disparities. The initial stage of the Tour des Reines et des Tambours featured the Bujumbura-Kagwema-Bujumbura race, setting the precedent for the challenging routes to follow. The Burundian Cycling Federation expressed its appreciation for the confidence extended by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Confederation of African Cycling. This support is seen as key for the development of cycling within the country, particularly for fostering local talent and elevating the sport's profile on the international stage. Bernard Ntagumuka serves as the president of the Burundian Cycling Federation, playing a key role in these efforts.
Federation and Government Support
Phocas Mpezindagano, the assistant minister in charge of sports, affirmed the Burundian government's commitment to athletic development. Mr. Mpezindagano stated that the government would "ne ménagera aucun effort pour soutenir et promouvoir le sport en général et le cyclisme féminin en particulier," indicating a focus on women's cycling. He further articulated the government's perspective on sports, noting that it is considered "non seulement comme un espace de compétition, mais également comme un puissant instrument d’éducation, de santé, de cohésion sociale, d’émancipation de la jeunesse, d’autonomisation des femmes et de développement économique." This shows a broader strategy to utilize sports for societal benefit beyond competitive achievement. The government's promise to support and promote sport, especially women's cycling, aligns with the federation's goals to enhance the sport's infrastructure and opportunities for athletes.
Rider and Official Comments
Sklyarova Yelizaveta finished the 69km Nyagasasa-Gitega criterium in 2 hours 50 minutes 17 seconds. Following her performance, she stated, "Sklyarova Yelizaveta s’engage à travailler dur, pour se maintenir en tête du classement." The cyclist added, "Après ces performances rassurantes, Sklyarova Yelizaveta s’engage à travailler dur, pour se maintenir en tête du classement, bien que la bataille est très difficile à pronostiquer." Her statements reflect both confidence in her current form and an awareness of the fierce competition that characterizes the Tour des Reines et des Tambours. Bernard Ntagumuka, the president of the Burundian Cycling Federation, continues to oversee the event and the broader development of cycling in Burundi.