Riders Claudine Tuyishime (men) and David Niyonsaba (women) emerged winners of the third edition of Umusambi Gravel Race which concluded in Gicumbi District on Saturday, August 23. The duo claimed the race after covering a 90km course that included tarmac stretches through Butaro and eight swamp-bordering sectors, before finishing in Ibanda, Gicumbi District, on Saturday. The second day of the race featured three categories: professional men and women, amateurs, and riders using the popular Matabaro (pneux ballons) bicycles. The previous day hosted the contest’s first-ever road race. Riding solo, Niyonsaba, who rides for Shaggy Cycling Team, clocked 3 hours, 4 minutes, and 25 seconds to claim first place, finishing 22 minutes and 25 seconds ahead of Valens Iradukunda of Sina Cycling Club who came in second place while Felix Habimana of Team Amani secured third place. ALSO READ: Team Amani duo dominate day one of Umusambi Race On the women’s side, Tuyishime of Bugesera Cycling Team clocked 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 15 seconds to clinch the top spot. In the amateur category, Felicien Hakizimana won the men’s 45km race, which started in Rwerere through the finish line in Ibanda. He was followed by Jean Damascène Ruberwa in and Jean Damascène Mbarushimana iwho finished in second and third places. In the women’s amateur category, Diane Ishimwe claimed first place, ahead of Beatha Ingabire. Meanwhile, riders of “pneux ballons” bikes category, Emmanuel Mufiteyesu secured his third consecutive victory in the race. Umusambi Gravel Race is organised annually by the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) in partnership with the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA). It aims to promote the conservation of the grey-crowned crane, an iconic bird species in Rwanda. Dr. Deo Ruhagazi, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RWCA, reflected on the significance of the race, which also coincided with the association’s 10th anniversary. He highlighted its role in raising awareness about crane conservation efforts in the Rugezi swamp. “Cycling has been part of this journey of conserving cranes since the association’s inception. We started with 71 cranes, and now 315 individuals are thriving here in Rugezi. This is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
