Les Amis Sportifs rider Eric Nkundabera and Team Amani’s Claudette Nyirarukundo ended the 2025 cycling season on a high note after winning the inaugural Musanze Challenge on Saturday. Organised by Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) in collaboration with Musanze District, the race was the final event on the federation’s 2025 calendar. Nkundabera emerged winner of the men’s elite, covering the 102.1-kilometre distance in 2 hours, 42 minutes and 45 seconds. The category faced a demanding test as the route extended beyond Musanze town, incorporating an additional circuit through Kinigi, along INES Ruhengeri road, before returning to the finish line in Musanze. The Kinigi circuit will feature in the 2026 Tour du Rwanda as the finishing section of Stage 6, which is scheduled to start in Rubavu on February 27, 2026. Nkundabera crossed the line ahead of Java Inovotec Cycling Club’s Shemu Nsengiyumva, who was just one second shy, while Benediction Cycling Team’s Vainqueur Masangesho completed the podium in third place, also one second adrift of Nsengiyumva. In the women’s elite and under-23 race, Team Amani’s Nyirarukundo claimed victory over the 79.1-kilometre course, completing the race in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 30 seconds. She finished 10 minutes and 7 seconds ahead of her teammate Xaverine Nirere, with Ndabaga Cycling Team’s Martha Ntakirutimana taking third place. The juniors’ race covered a shorter 44.6-kilometre distance, starting in Nyirangarama, Rulindo District, and finishing in Musanze. Emmanuel Tuyishimire of Cine Elmay won the boys’ race in 2 hours, 20 minutes and 10 seconds, ahead of Kayonza Cycling Club teammates William Natanziki and Ferguson Irakoze in second and third places, respectively. Bugesera Cycling Club dominated the girls’ junior race, with Emelyne Kanyange claiming victory in 1 hour, 31 minutes and 40 seconds. She was followed by Ancile Uwizeyimana, who finished one minute and 16 seconds later, while Immaculee Izabayo rounded out the podium.
