The Kirehe cycling race is set to return for its fourth edition from October 10 to 11, bringing together top Rwandan cyclists and emerging talents for a high-intensity competition in Eastern Province. Organised by Kirehe District in collaboration with Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), this year’s race comes right on the heels of the 2025 UCI Road World Championship in Kigali. ALSO READ: ‘Hosting UCI championships was no small feat,’ says Prime Minister Nsengiyumva The opening stage on October 10 will see elite men and U23 riders kick off the race from Amahoro Stadium at 11am, covering a 138 km route that ends in front of Kirehe District Office. Meanwhile, the elite and U23 women’s category will start from Nyagasambu, tackling a 110 km stretch to the same finish line. The junior women’s category will begin their journey from Kayonza, racing 76 km to the district office. The same distance will be covered by the top five boys and girls under 17 from the Youth Racing Cup, a perfect test of readiness for those set to advance to the junior level next year. ALSO READ: How Rwanda turned the UCI World Championships into a festival of joy The second day will feature a mix of professional and non-professional riders, headlined by the fan-favourite “Matabaro” (Pneus Ballons) race. The riders will start at Kirehe District Office, looping through East Gate Hotel and back over five laps covering 19.5 km. At 9:30am, junior women will embark on a 69.5 km race from the district office to Rusumo border (near Ngoma District) and back, completing five laps. The event will culminate with elite, U23 (both men and women), and men junior riders competing in an 11-lap circuit totaling 92.4 km, racing from Kirehe District Office through Rusumo border, Cyunuzi, and back to the finish line. In the 2024 edition, Samuel Niyonkuru claimed victory in the men’s category, while Diane Ingabire dominated the women’s race. The junior categories saw Aphrodis Tuyipfukamire and Liliane Uwiringiyimana emerge as winners.
