Mountain bike riders Bukhari Banzi and Charlotte Iragena emerged as the standout performers as the Rwanda National Mountain Bike (MTB) Championships returned in Musanze on Saturday after a three-year hiatus. The competition, last held in 2023 at Fazenda Sengha, Nyamirambo, saw Banzi dominate the men’s elite and U23 race, while Iragena led the women’s category. ALSO READ: Habimana, Mwamikazi crowned 2023 Mountain Bike champions The one-day event started at the UCI Regional Satellite Center—formerly known as Africa Rising Cycling Center—with riders navigating a challenging volcanic circuit before finishing at the same venue. The championships featured elite, U23, and junior categories. Banzi, riding for Twin Lakes Cycling Academy (TLCA) completed 10 laps in 1 hour, 31 minutes, and 32 seconds to secure victory. He finished comfortably ahead of Kevin Nshutiraguma of Cine Elmay Cycling Club, who trailed by 4 minutes and 38 seconds, while Janvier Muhoza of Karongi Vision Sport Center came third, 5 minutes and 31 seconds behind the winner. In the men’s junior race, Jonathan Muhawenimana of Cine Elmay Cycling Club claimed top honours after completing six laps in 58 minutes and 47 seconds. Jackson Nkurikiyinka of Benediction BanAfrica Team finished second, 48 seconds behind, while Jean d’Amour Ishimwe of Bugesera Cycling Team placed third. In the women’s elite and U23 race, Iragena, representing Ndabaga Women Cycling Team, completed eight laps in 1 hour, 29 minutes, and 57 seconds to take the title. Violette Neza of Karongi Cycling Team finished second, just 26 seconds behind, while Claudine Ahishakiye of Bugesera Cycling Team came third. In the women’s junior category, Ancille Uwase of Bugesera Cycling Team secured victory after completing five laps in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 35 seconds. She was followed by Yvonne Masengesho of Ndabaga Women Cycling Team and Emeliene Murekatete in second and third place, respectively.
