Benediction Club’s Patrick Byukusenge and Diane Ingabire showcased exceptional performances on Sunday to win the 2023 national road race championship in men and women categories respectively. Byukusenge dominated the rest of race contenders and went on to win the men’s elite championship after clocking three hours and 17 minutes and 27 seconds in a distance of 132.7 kilometres. The Rubavu-born rider was an underrated figure before the start of the gruesome race with the likes of Moise Mugisha, Renus Byiza Uhiriwe and Eric Manizabayo among the names that were touted to win the race. But he won the race against all odds crossing the finish line ahead of Uhiriwe (Java Inovotec) who emerged second with 13 seconds shy of the race while Shemu Nsengiyumva of Maystars, Samuel Niyonkuru of Les Amis Sportif and Eric Manizabayo completed the top five after clocked the same time. Meanwhile, fast-rising rider Hashim Tuyizere (Les Amis Sportif) won the Road Race in junior’s men category covering 95,5km in two hours, 40 minutes and 39 seconds. He was followed by Kevin Nshutiraguma (Cine ElMay Cycling Club), Fiacre Nizeyimana (Nyabihu Cycling Club), Phocus Nshimiyimana (Nyabihu Cycling Club) and Didier Twagirayezu (Kayonza Young Stars). Despite losing the elite race to Byukusenge, Uhiriwe won the Men’s U23 race overcoming stiff competition from Samuel Niyonkuru and Vainqueur Masengesho who emerged second and third respectively. Meanwhile, in the women category, Diane Ingabire (Canyon) retained the race after using two hours, 50 minutes and 10 seconds to race 93.5 km. She was followed by women cycling hopeful Djazila Mwamikazi while Josiane Mukashema (Benediction Cycling Club), Martha Ntakirutimana and Valentine Nzayisenga completed the top five. In the women’s junior category, Mariata Byukusenge (Bugesera Cycling Club) emerged winner of the race in junior category after 85 km during which she clocked three hours 3 minutes and 29 seconds. She was followed by her teammates Aline Uwera, Charlotte Iragena, Doriana Ingabire, Sandrine Umutoni and Clementine Niyokwizerwa.
