A total of 18 cycling teams have confirmed their participation at the forthcoming 2023 Heroes Cycling Cup which is due in Kigali on Sunday, January 29.

Organised annually by Rwanda’s Cycling governing body (Ferwacy) in collaboration with the National Heroes, Medals and Rings of Commendation (CHENO), the competition aims at educating young people on the culture of heroism ahead of Heroes’ Day.

The day, is celebrated on February 1, will this year be marked under the theme "Heroism among Rwandans, Our Value.”

The race will attract over 60 riders, male and female, in both junior and elite categories.

According to the schedule, men elites and U-23 will do 10 laps a distance of 116kilometres while men juniors and women elites will do eight laps with 92,8 kilometres. The women juniors will be competing in the race of six laps with 69,6 kilometres up to contest for.

Jean Eric Habimana, currently riding for Inovotec cycling team, was the last rider to win the Heroes Cycling Cup in 2020. The race did not happen in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some elite riders like Moise Mugisha, Eric Manizabayo, Renus Byiza Uhiriwe and Joseph Areruya, will not take part at the 2023 edition of the race as they are in Gabon competing for La Tropicale Amissa Bongo 2023 race which is underway from January 23 until Sunday.

Itinerary

BK Arena - Cogebanque - Gasabo District office - Tele 10 - RDB - SP Gishushu - MTN - Auto Express - Kibagabaga Hospital - Orex Station - Engen Station - Igicumbi cy'Intwari - BK Arena.

Participating Teams

Ferwacy member Teams: Bugesera Cycling Team, Cine Elmay, Cycling Team for All, Fly Club, Les Amis Sportifs, Karongi Vision Sports Center, Kayonza Young Starts Cycling Team, Kigali Cycling Club, Muhazi Cycling Generation and Nyabihu Cycling Team.

UCI Continental Teams: Benediction Ignite, May Star and Benediction Kitei Pro 2020.

Invited: Twin Lakes Cycling Academy, Musanze Cycling Club, Impeesa, Rukali Cycling Club and Inovotec.