BRUSSELS: Belgian cycling team Soudal-Quick Step has withdrawn its development team from the upcoming Tour of Rwanda because of safely fears over the violent conflict in neighboring Congo.
Some 3,000 people have been killed and nearly as many injured since late January in eastern Congo, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels recently captured the key city of Goma.
Soudal-QuickStep CEO Jurgen For茅 told Belgian broadcaster Sporza on Friday that staff members of the team were concerned about the fighting near the start and finish area of one stage of the race, which is due to take place from Feb. 23 to March 2.
鈥淲e started looking at the advice from the (Belgian) ministry of foreign affairs on Monday and that shows a number of points of attention. Especially for the region with the border with Goma,鈥� For茅 said.
Organizers of the Tour of Rwanda said Thursday that that were was only 鈥渙ne occasion recently when this fighting has briefly directly affected those living on the Rwandan side of the border. All measures have been taken to ensure that this doesn鈥檛 happen again.鈥�
They said life in Rwanda 鈥渃ontinues as normal鈥� and that 鈥渞iders, teams and supporters can be assured of a safe and enjoyable event.鈥�
Rwanda is due to host cycling鈥檚 Road World Championships from Sept. 21-28.