Former cyclist Abraham Ruhumuriza has paid tribute to late Tour du Rwanda winner Bernard Nsengiyumva who passed away on Monday, July 7, at the age of 73 due to illness.

Born in 1952, in Kibangu sector, Muhanga district, he started to compete in deferent races in Rwanda at age of 27. He was one of the participants in the first Tour du Rwanda in 1988, but he had to wait until 2001 to win the race for the first time aged 49.

Ruhumuriza, who won Tour du Rwanda five times between 2002 and 2007, had a chance to play alongside Nsengiyumva before he retired.

"We grew up looking at him. He was one of great person and he had fighting spirit which we all wanted to do in our career. It was a privilege competing with such man who has passion for the game. Rest in Peace,” he said.

Adrien Niyonshuti, who started to compete at Tour du Rwanda in 2004, said it was a huge loss for the cycling fraternity, revealing that he has inspired many in the new generation.

"Cycling had started to grow when he was in his final stages competing at a high level but we have learned a lot from him which helped us move to the top level. We wish him to rest in eternal peace,” Niyonshuti said.

For Nathan Byukusenge, who currently coaches cycling team at Isonga-AFD project, Nsengiyumva will be missed.

"Today we say goodbye to legend of cycling and we will always remember him,” he said.