Uwizeye credits teamwork for Heritage Challenge win

Amis Sportifs Rwamagana rider, Jean Claude Uwizeye, has hailed his teammates for the support they accorded him on his way to winning the Nyanza Heritage Challenge Cycling Race over the weekend.

Monday, December 07, 2015
Jean Claude Uwizeye (R) and Eric Manizabayo of Benediction Club (L), who finished in fourth place. (Courtesy)

Kigali-Nyanza (106km)

Top five

1. Jean Claude Uwizeye 3h21’34’’2. Samuel Mugisha 3h21’34’’3. Karegeya Jeremy 3h21’34’’4. Eric Manizabayo 3h21’41’’5. Eric Nduwayo 3h21’45’’

Amis Sportifs Rwamagana rider, Jean Claude Uwizeye, has hailed his teammates for the support they accorded him on his way to winning the Nyanza Heritage Challenge Cycling Race over the weekend.

Uwizeye won the 106 kilometre race from Kigali to Nyanza after clocking 3hours 21 minutes and 34 seconds.

He was closely followed by Benediction Club young rider, Samuel Mugisha, 17, while Jeremy Karegeya (Cine Elmay) came in third position in a similar time of 3h 21 minutes and 34 minutes.

"My win was a result of team effort, we prepared to win the race as team not as individuals, so I am happy we did it,” Uwizeye said after winning the race.

Uwizeye, who also won the Tour de Kigali (124,9km) in September, added, "This is a big moment for me because I needed this victory and I am looking forward to improving my career.”

Other upcoming youngsters, Eric Manizabayo and Eric Nduwayo (both Benediction Club) came in fourth and fifth positions in a time of 3h21’41’’ and 3h21’45’’ respectively.

Nathan Byukusenge (Benediction) came in ninth position in 3h29’45’’, while veteran rider Abraham Ruhumuriza (Cycling Club for All) finished 10th in 3h29’45’’. Ephrem Tuyishimire (Amis Sportifs) finished in 15th place after clocking 3h29’47’’.

Meanwhile, during the same event, national league side Amagaju beat Southern Province rivals AS Muhanga 2-1 in football final. The sports activities were part of this year’s second edition of ‘Inyanza twataramye’ Cultural and Sports festival.

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