PHOTOS: Nsengimana wins Rwanda Cycling Cup opening race

SaturdayKigali-Huye+Circuit (6 laps)Men Elite & U231. Jean-Bosco Nsengimana (Club Benediction) 4h:14’:19”2. Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Club Benediction) 4h:15’:47”3. René Jean-Paul Ukiniwabo (Les Amis Sportifs) 4h:17’:00”JuniorsMuhanga-Huye+Circuit (3 laps)1. Eric Manizabayo (Club Benediction) 2h:25’:50”2. Jimmy Mbarushimana (Club Benediction) 2h:28’:20”3. Eric Muhoza (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:28’:20”Women1. Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:34’:38”2. Xaverine Nirere (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:34’:38”3. Beatha Ingabire (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:34’:38”Club Benediction de Rubavu claimed the top two places as Jean-Bosco Nsengimana put on a stunning solo performance to win the inaugural Memorial Lambert Byemaire race, the first race on this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup.Nsengimana finished ahead of teammate Bonaventure Uwizeyimana while Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana’s Rene Jean Paul Ukiniwabo came in third place. FERWACY president Aimable Bayingana lays flowers at former FERWACY Vice President Lambert Byemayires tomb. / Sam Ngendahimana Eric Manizabayo of Club Benediction claimed the juniors’ race beating teammate Jimmy Mbarushimana, to the line, while Jean d’Arc Girubuntu won the women’s race that attracted five riders, all from Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana.In the Men Elite category, Nsengimana, who has lost off rhythm since winning the 2015 Tour du Rwanda, won the 158km race that started in Kigali (Gitikinyoni) to Huye plus a 5.5km circuit around Huye town.On a hot sunny Saturday morning, the former Germany-based UCI Continental Team Bike Aid rider covered the distance in 4 hours, 14 minutes and 19 seconds, to send a chilling message to his opponents about what they can expect in the remaining 10 races. The race opening race, Kigali-Huye, dubbed ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ in memory of the former FERWACY vice president Lambert Byemayire, who passed away in November. / Sam Ngendahimana Uwizeyimana, formerly with South Africa’s Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider, finished second in 4 hours, 15 minutes and 47 seconds while first rising Rene Jean Paul Ukiniwabo came in the third place clocking 4 hours and 17 seconds.“I am really excited to make a perfect start, it was a tough race because we did a breakaway of five riders midway and it towards the ends, I had to make a solo break away, I hope this win will be the motivation for better things to come in the next ten races,” said Nsengimana.Meanwhile, reigning champion Manizabayo won the juniors’ category that covered 92 kilometers from Muhanga to Huye plus a circuit of three laps after posting 2h:25’:50” ahead of Mbarushimana, who used 2h:28’:20” with Eric Muhoza from Les Amis Sportifs finishing third in 2h:28’:20”. Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ race has attracted a total of 51 riders from six clubs. / Sam Ngendahimana Children seen here in action to fan the riders as they arrive at Save. / Sam Ngendahimana Cyclists arrive at former ISAR RUBONA. / Sam Ngendahimana The opening race of Rwanda Cycling cup has attracted a total of 51 riders from six clubs. / Sam Ngendahimana Rwanda’s most decorated female rider Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu, claimed the women category that attracted five riders from Les Amis Sportifs.The Kigali-Huye, is a new segment that has been added to this year’s edition and dubbed ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ in memory of former Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) vice president Lambert Byemayire, who passed away in November last.After the prize giving ceremony, the riders, official and residents in Huye laid a wreath on Byemayire’s grave and observed a minute’s silence. Skol and Cogebanque are the official sponsors of the annual competition.editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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PHOTOS: Nsengimana wins Rwanda Cycling Cup opening race