Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy) has moved the starting of Rwanda Cycling Cup 2019 to June 15 after failing to have the required logistics in time for the initial late May schedule.

According Emmanuel Murenze, the Ferwacy Permanent Secretary, the 16-race championship will get underway with Race to Remember, which will be followed by Lambert Byemayire Memorial Race.

While Race to Remember is ordained at honouring the over one million victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Byemayire Memorial – established in 2017 – is organized in remembrance of former Ferwacy Vice President, Lambert Byemayire, who died in 2016.

"We initially wanted to start this May, but it did not work out. There are a few things that were not in place; that’s why we pushed the starting date to June 15,” said Murenzi.

The year-round championship will also include; Farmers Circuit, the National Championships (ITT and road race), Race for Culture, Kivu Race, Karongi Challenge and Central Challenge to mention a few.

As has been the case in its last four editions, the tight schedule will end in December as Team Rwanda will be preparing for La Tropicale Amissa Bongo in January and Tour du Rwanda the following month.

Rwanda Cycling Cup attracts all local clubs, and is also open to foreign-based Rwandan cyclists.

The 5th edition will test the cycling power and talent from riders seeking to dethrone two-time winner Gasore Hategeka in elite men’s category, Eric Muhoza in junior men’s category as well as Valentine Nzayisenga in the women’s category.

Gasore, 32, became the first rider to win the coveted Rwanda Cycling Cup twice last year following his 2016 triumph. Jean Bosco Nsengimana won the inaugural edition in 2015, while Patrick Byukusenge claimed it in 2017.

Rwanda Cycling Cup was inaugurated in 2015, and has since kept Skol and Cogebanque as its two main sponsors.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com