Originally scheduled for July 21 of the current year, the seventh edition of the Democratic Republic of Congo Cycling Tour will start on July 28 in the tourist and historical city of Boma.

As in previous editions, several riders from different countries in Africa and Europe are expected.

Three provinces have been chosen to host this major international sporting event. it is Kongo Central, Upper Katanga and Bandundu.

On the sidelines of this competition, Leopards cyclists from the DRC returned to Kinshasa last weekend after a period of preparation spent in Rwanda.

They are also visible in the streets of the city, to focus because since the beginning of this tournament in 2013. No Congolese was ranked first or even in third place.

What about the Competition Budget?

Radio silence to this question. It is in the bad habits cultivated in the Congolese sports environment where it is difficult for sports leaders to publish the competition budget, before or after.

But it should be recognized that cycling can not, like any other sport, hatch without means.

Cycling, being a sport that has the distinction of being free for those who follow it, requires support from the state and companies as under other skies where sponsorships run behind teams of cyclists.

The logical consequence: no high-level athletes able to face encounters and even better rank at the National level. No more pro bike, let alone a coaching worthy of the name.

It should be noted that the tour will run for a period of 10 days.

Harris KASONGO