Bénédiction Club rider Eric Manizabayo (men) and Xaverine Nirere (women), who rides for Team Amani, emerged winners of the 2024 Heroes Cycling Cup that took place in Kigali on Saturday, January 20.

The annual race, which was in its fourth edition, is organised by the local Cycling governing body (FERWACY) in partnership with the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) on the occasion of honoring heroes of the nation.

CHENO Chairman François Ngarambe was with FERWACY President Sasmon Ndayishimiye as they flagged of participants for the race which attracted 108 riders from about 15 teams (local and continental) across five categories namely women juniors, men juniors, women elite, men elite & men U23.

Covering a distance of 121 kilometers, the race started and ended at the BK Arena, passing through various parts of Gasabo District.

READ ALSO: Heroes Cycling Cup 2023 to attract over 60 riders

Manizabayo won the race in men elite category after outsprinting Eric Muhoza to the finish line. The pair were leading the peloton during the last four or five laps until the 11th and final lap during which they went for a sprint before Manizabayo ultimately dominated it in the last 50 metres to win the race.

Shafik Mugalu of May Stars also made it to the podium after finishing in third place.

In the women elite race, Nirere emerged as the winner after overcoming Djazila Mwamikazi of Ndabaga Women Cycling Team and Valentine Nzayisenga of Bénédiction Cycling Club who finished in the second and third places respectively.

In the junior categories, Moses Ntirenganya of Les Amis Sportifs and Sandrine Umutoni of Bugesera Cycling Team claimed victory in the boys' and girls' races respectively.