Men’s elite category 1. Samuel Mugisha (DiData) 2h40’31” 2. Jean-Eric Habimana (Fly Cycling) 2h40’31” 3. Janvier Rugamba (Les Amis) 2h40’31” 4. Dukuzumuremyi (Fly Cycling) 2h40 ‘51” 5. Swaibu Kagibwami (Les Amis) 2h40’51”
Men’s junior category 1. Elysee Bikorimana (Benediction) 2h6’47” 2. J.B. Hategekimana (Les Amis) 2h6’47” 3. Pacis Baraka (CCA) 2h7’12” 4. Muhawenimana (Benediction) 2h7’12” 5. Etienne Tuyizere (Nyabihu) 2h7’12”
Women 1. Diane Ingabire (Benediction) 1h49’48” 2. Valentine Nzayisenga (Benediction) 1h49’48” 3. Diane Ishimwe (Benediction) 1h50’23” 4. Josiane Mukashema (Benediction) 1h53’37” 5. Claudette Nyirarukundo (Benediction) 1h56’52”
Samuel Mugisha timed his sprint to perfection as he claimed this year’s Lambert Byemayire Memorial race in Huye District on Saturday.
The 21-year-old, who was winning his first race in Rwanda Cycling Cup this year, edged Jean-Eric Habimana and Janvier Rugamba on the line.
Each of the three riders used two hours, 40 minutes and 31 seconds to cover the 112km circuit race, a whole 20 seconds ahead of fourth-placed Dukuzumuremyi and Swaibu Kagibwami who completed top five.
"I am excited to win this race. It was tough,” said Mugisha, noting that it could have gone to any of the top three but his tactical experience was superior compared to his sprint rivals.
In men’s junior category, Elysee Bikorimana was the winner, followed by Jean-Bosco Hategekimana whereas Pacis Baraka completed the podium.
Rwanda international Diane Ingabire beat off stiff competition from her Benediction Excel Energy teammate Valentine Nzayisenga to clinch the top honors in women’s section, with both riders using a time of one hour, 49 minutes and 48 seconds to ride the 67.2km distance.
After the prize-giving ceremony, the riders and officials laid a wreath on Byemayire’s grave and observed a minute of silence.
Until his death in November 2016, Lambert Byemayire was the president of the Huye-based Cycling Club for All and vice-president of Rwanda Cycling Federation.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com