Muhoza Eric and Nyirarukundo Claudette were crowned the first-ever champions of the Ingufu n’Igare cycling race after winning the men’s and women’s elite titles respectively on Saturday.
The inaugural event saw elite riders compete over a 96.3-kilometre course from Ruyenzi to Kayonza.
Representing Team Amani, Muhoza powered to victory in the men’s race with a winning time of 2:44:24. He finished 1 minute and 37 seconds ahead of Tuyizere Etienne of Java Inovotec Pro Team, while Cine Elmay Cycling Club’s Nshutiraguma Kevin completed the podium in 2:46:03, 1 minute and 39 seconds behind the winner.
The men’s elite field featured 22 riders from 10 teams.
In the women’s race, Team Amani completed a one-two finish as Nyirarukundo Claudette claimed victory in 3:09:44, edging teammate Nirere Xaveline by just one second. Ingabire Diane of Benediction Cycling Club finished third, 11.04 seconds off the winning pace.
Four riders from three teams contested the women’s elite race, with Byukusenge Mariatte of Sina Cycling Club finishing fourth.
The competition also included an amateur men’s category over a 50-kilometre route from Rugende to Kayonza. Nkurunziza Yves took the title in 1:31:25, narrowly beating Roman Meszaros and Niyonshuti Asuman in a closely contested finish.
Junior riders also competed over the same 50-kilometre distance.
In the junior boys’ race, Ishimwe Brian of Black Mamba Development claimed victory in 2:45:45. Byusa Pacific of Les Amis Sportifs finished second, 25 seconds behind, while Mugabo Jules of Ziip Cycling Academy placed third, 3 minutes and 30 seconds adrift of the winner. Ten riders competed in the category.
Masengesho Yvonne of Black Mamba Development won the junior girls’ title in 1:38:52. Akimana Donatha of Ngarama Sports Academy finished second by a narrow margin, while Kanyange Zawadi of Bugesera Cycling Team rounded out the podium one second behind the winner.
