Bugesera cycling prospects Jean d’Amour Ishimwe and Emelyne Kanyange emerged winners of the third edition of the 2026 Play Day Cycling Race held at the Field of Dreams in Ntarama on Sunday. Organised by Bugesera Cycling Team (BCT), the event brought together 180 young riders competing across five age categories: Under-11 (Pupilles), Under-13 (Benjamins), Under-15 (Minimes), Under-17 (Cadets) and Under-19 (Juniors). The competition marked the third edition of the event following its successful launch in 2025. It was organised as part of the “Play Day” celebrations while promoting youth development through sport under the “Power to Pedals” programme. In the overall standings, Ishimwe claimed victory in the boys’ final race ahead of Valentin Iduhamahoro and Innocent Bukuru. In the girls’ category, Kanyange secured first place, followed by Ancille Uwase Uwizeyimana and Céline Mutuyimana. In the Under-17 category, Carine Tumukunde won the girls’ race while Régis Niyogisubizo topped the boys’ competition. ALSO READ: Bugesera Cycling Team roots for talent pool through ‘Play Day’ series The Under-15 category saw Alice Uwababyeyi and Kévin Iradukunda emerge victorious in the girls’ and boys’ races respectively. In the Under-13 category, Kerenia Akarabo Keza and Rodrigue Iraduka finished first in their respective races, while David Manzi Cyubahiro and Nollia Mutuzo claimed victory in the Under-11 category. The “Power to Pedals” programme, launched in January 2025, is a year-long initiative designed to nurture young cycling talent while promoting community engagement through sport. The programme currently supports 180 children aged between 11 and 20, with girls accounting for 60 percent of participants from Ntarama and neighbouring sectors.
