At least 18 cycling teams have confirmed their participation at 2023 Akagera Race scheduled from May 27-28 in Northern and Eastern Province. Organized by local cycling governing body (Ferwacy) in partnership with Eastern Province’s Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza Districts, the race will for the first time take place within two days to help young riders gain experience to compete in races contested for more than one day. Renowned cycling teams like Ferwafa-affiliated teams Benediction and Les Amis Sportifs in men’s category and Bugesera Cycling Team in women’s category as well as continental cycling team May Stars are among teams that confirmed to participate in the two-day race. The race will start Saturday where riders will depart from Gicumbi to Nyagatare where they will spend a night before Sunday’s race. The race will resume Sunday from Nyagatare to Kayonza. Elite and U23 men’s races will cover a distance of 87 kilometers. They will depart Gicumbi Stadium and head straight to Nyagatare. The finish line will be at the East African University. Unlike elite and U23 men, elite women, junior men and women will depart using the Rukomo-Nyagatare (East African University) itinerary which covers 77 kilometers. On Sunday, men’s elite and under 23 riders will compete over a distance of 160 kilometers. They will do two laps in Nyagatare before heading to Kayonza through Rwinkwavu. Elite Women and Junior men will do one lap in Nyagatare before heading to Kayonza. The itinerary covers a distance of 91 kilometers. Meanwhile, junior women will race 75 kilometers from Ryabega to Kayonza.
