Elite men (150km)

1. Didier Munyaneza – 3:53:43 2. Shemu Nsengiyumva – 3:53:45 3. Renus Byiza Uhirwe – 4:01:05 4. Ali Fidele Dukuzumuremyi – 4:01:07 5. Gasore Hategeka – 4:01:10 6. Samuel Mugisha – 4:01:10

Junior men (115km)

1. Eric Muhoza – 3:08:26 2. Omar Niyitegeka – 3:18:08 3. Elisée Bikorimana – 3:19:20 4. Jean-Bosco Hategemana – 3:19:36 5. Stanislas Bizimana – 3:20:07

Women (90km)

1. Olive Izerimana – 3:11:58 2. Diane Ishimwe – 3:12:10 3. Jacqueline Tuyishime – 3:12:16 4. Diane Ingabire – 3:12:16 5. Josiane Mukashema – 3:12:36

Former national champion Didier Munyaneza has registered his first victory this year after defying the odds to claim Kivu Race on Saturday.

The 21-year old Club Benediction rider was a minnow before the start with odds favouring the 2018 Tour du Rwanda winner, Samuel Mugisha.

Munyaneza, who made history last year as the youngest rider – at 20 –to win the national road championship, covered the 150km distance in 3 hours, 53 minutes 43 seconds, two seconds ahead of first runner-up Shemu Nsengiyumva who rides for Rwamagana-based Les Amis Sportifs club.

However, the biggest highlight in Rubavu was the stellar performance of youngster Renus Byiza Uhiriwe (4:01:05) who finished third on his debut in the senior category.

The 18-year old is part of four riders who will represent the country at the upcoming Road World Championships in Yorkshire, England, next week.

Italy-based Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider Samuel Mugisha finished in the sixth position.

Fresh from winning Rwamagana Circuit earlier this month, in-form Eric Muhoza won the title in men’s junior category, with Dianne Izerimana taking the top honours in women’s section.

The next race on the year-round 2019 Rwanda Cycling Cup championship is due October 19 in Huye District.

Italy-based Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider Samuel Mugisha finished in the sixth position.

Renus Byiza finished third on his debut in the senior category.

Cycling lovers watching the race.

Kivu Race covered 150km distance.

Les Amis Sportifs' Shemu Nsengiyumva finished in the second position.

Riders in women category.

Ferwacy officials and other officials during the race.

Elites in the peloton during their 20 lap race dubbed Kivu Race.

Benediction Club 's Olive Izerimana won the race in Women Category.

Les Amis Sportifs' Eric Muhoza won Kivu Race in Juniors category.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com