Riders Kevin Nshutiraguma and Martha Ntakirutimana emerged as standout performers at the second edition of the Virunga Mountain Bike Cross-country Olympic (XCO) race that took place in Musanze District on Sunday, July 20. Nshutiraguma, riding for Cine Elmay Cycling Club, won the men’s elite race after completing a 33.6-kilometer course of seven demanding laps. He showed great endurance and smart race management to finish in 1:36.37. Nshutiraguma was followed by Valens Iradukunda of Sina Cycling Club, who finished just over a minute later in 1:37:33 Bukhari Banzi from Twin Lakes Cycling Team came in third with 1:41:45. ALSO READ: Ruhumuriza leads tributes to fallen Tour du Rwanda winner Nsengiyumva In the women’s category, Ntakirutimana, who rides for Ndabaga Women Cycling Team, delivered a dominant performance, taking the top spot in 1:19:36. She finished comfortably ahead of Violette Neza Irakoze from Ridley Racing Team, who crossed the line four minutes and 13 seconds later at 1:23:49. Charlotte Iragena, also from Ndabaga, completed the podium in third place with a time of 1:27:09. The junior men’s category, Didier Twagirayezu from Kayonza Cycling Club covered 24km (five laps) in 1:12:00 at the top, nearly three minutes ahead of Janvier Muhoza from Shaggy Star Cycling Club (1:14:53). Aphrodis Tuyipfukamire of Benediction Club came in third place with 1:16:48. ALSO READ: Nkundabera wins first ever national cycling championship In the junior girls’ category, Liza Jehovaire from Ndabaga Women Cycling Team won the race after finishing in 1:03:38. Gisele Nishimwe (1:06:15) from Cine Elmay Cycling Club and Claudine Ahishakiye (1:06:18) Bugesera Cycling Team completed the podium in second and third places. In the amateur category, covering 14.4 kilometers (three laps), Yassin Mucyo emerged victorious after clocking exactly 58 minutes. He edged Olivier Hatangimana from Intavogerwa Cycling Club, who finished in 1:01:52, while Jean Damascene Tuyisenge from Isonga Cycling Club took third place with a time of 1:06:05.
