[PHOTOS] Rwanda Cycling Cup: Mugisha claims final race as Byukusenge wins 2017 title

Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider Samuel Mugisha won the final race of this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup Gatuna to Kigali, covering 108.4km on Saturday after clocking 2h38’57”, while Benediction Club’s Patrick Byukusenge was crowned the 2017 champion.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Peter Kamasa

Joseph Areruya, Samuel Mugisha and Valens Ndayisenga before starting the race from Gatuna to Kigali.

Rwanda Cycling Cup

Men: Top 51. Samuel Mugisha (Demission Data) 2h38’57”2. Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Benediction) 2h39’28’’3. Fidele Dukuzumuremyi (Fly Cycling Club) 2h39’28’’4. Rene Ukiniwabo (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h39’28’’5. Janvier Rugamba (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h39’28’’

Women1. Ingabire Beatha 3h6’ 8’’2. Xaverine Nirere 3h6’28’’3. Magnifique Manizabayo 3h8’38’’4. Diane Ishimwe 3h9’26’’5. Samatha Mushimiyimana 3h9’26’’

Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider Samuel Mugisha won the final race of this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup Gatuna to Kigali, covering 108.4km on Saturday after clocking 2h38’57”, while Benediction Club’s Patrick Byukusenge was crowned the 2017 champion.

Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Benediction Club), Fidele Dukuzumuremyi (Fly Cycling Club), Rene Ukiniwabo (Les Amis Sportifs of Rwamagana) and Janvier Rugamba (Les Amis Sportifs of Rwamagana) came on second, third, fourth and fifth respectively with 2h 39 minute 28 seconds.

The 19-years old Mugisha also won the race to prepare Tour du Rwanda, from Nyanza to Rubavu, on October, 21. He received Rwf100,000 for topping the Elite category and Rwf60,000 for the U23.

However, the day belonged to Byukusenge, who was crowned the Rwanda Cycling Cup 2017 champion despite not coming in the top 15 finishers yesterday.

The 23-year-old won two races this season, namely; Rubavu-Musanze, on October 22 and Muhazi Challenge on September 23.

Benediction Club youngster, Yves Nkurunziza 17, won the juniors’ category, while the women’s race was won by Ingabire Beatha in 3h6’ 8’’ Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana, whose teammate Xaverine Nirere claimed the overall trophy.

A rider from FLY Cycling club captured in the peleton as he had an accident.

Benediction club are the winner of Rwanda Cycling cup. / Sam Ngendahimana

Benediction club riders celebrate the trophy after winning the overall winner of Rwanda Cycling Cup 2017.

Benediction Club rider Yves Nkurunziza crosses the finish line to win the 96,8 Km race in Juniors category. / Sam Ngendahimana

Bonaventure Uwizeyimana and Mugisha chat during the race.

Dimension Data rider Samuel Mugisha lifts up his bike to celebrate the solo finish of the 108.4 km yesterday. / Sam Ngendahimana

FERWACY officials and sponsors pose with the champions in a group photo. / Sam Ngendahimana

Former Team Rwanda captain Hadi Janvier rides for his first time.

In women category, Xaverine Nirere won the overall.

Joseph Areruya, Samuel Mugisha and Valens Ndayisenga before starting the race from Gatuna to Kigali.

Les Amis Sportifs rider Beatha Ingabire celebrates her victory as she crosses the finish line. / Sam Ngendahimana

Officials and riders observe a minute of silence to honour late Esther Muhabwimpundu, the 21 year old who died on 23 November 2017 during the training. / Sam Ngendahimana

Patrick Byukusenge holds the trophy to be crowned Champion of the 2017 Rwanda Cycling cup yesterday.

The overall winner of Rwanda Cycling cup in U 23 category Didier Munyaneza lifts his trophy yesterday.

The race attracted riders from ten local clubs and two Rwandans who ride for Dimension Data Mugisha and Areruya.

The winner of the race Samuel Mugisha in action in Gicumbi.

Tour du Rwanda 2017 winner Joseph Areruya seen here in attack while climbing Rukomo hill.

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