Fast-rising rider Samuel Niyonkuru came to everyone’s surprise in Rubavu to beat the likes of Bike Aid star Eric Muhoza and Rwanda Cycling Cup reigning champion Moise Mugisha to the inaugural Kivu Belt race on Sunday.
The 19-year-old, who rides for Team Inovotec, put up a powerful sprint to go past Muhoza who made a way for him in the last 200 meters to the finish line at Gisenyi Market to the delight of cheering Rubavu cycling enthusiasts as he pumped his fist to celebrate his triumph in men’s elite category.
"I am so excited to win this race. We were playing against a strong Benediction team with many good riders. But we tried to control the race to win it,” Niyonkuru said after winning the 106.5 kilometer race in two hours 40 minutes and 45 seconds.
Mugisha, who was regarded among firm favorites to win Kivu Belt race, had been in control of the race, opening a 39-second lead inside seven laps of the race before Muhoza started to increase his pace on the road to reduce the gap.
It took the Bike Aid rider to turn things around and hence took to the lead with one lap to go but Niyonkuru was still so close on his wheels. The duo was leading the last lap and, when people clearly thought that Muhoza was going to win the race, he let his Rwamagana-born counterpart Niyonkuru to surpass him in the sprint to take it home.
"Muhoza showed his professionalism. He was in a position to win this race but, in the end, I won,” he said.
Etienne Tuyizere of Team Benediction completed the podium after finishing in third place ahead of teammate Mugisha.
Meanwhile, Xaverine Nirere, who plies her trade in Kenya for Team Amani won the Kivu Belt race in women’s elite category while Bugesera Cycling Team’s Mariatha Byukusenge won the women junior’s race.
Cine Elmay’s Kevi Nshutiraguma won the men juniors’ race after covering a distance of 63.9 kilometers in an hour 47 minutes and 42 seconds to beat Nyabihu Cycling Team’s Phocas Nshimiyimana and unattached Janvier Shyaka to the race victory.
Cycling governing body (FERWACY) has added Kivu Belt Race to a long list of races featuring on the 2023 cycling cup calendar following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the federation and Rubavu District Wednesday, March 1.