Rwanda Cycling Federation will organise a cycling competition called ‘Race to Remember’, on May 7 to honour cyclists killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda’s only professional rider Adrien Niyonshuti lost several family members in the genocide. He credits the Sport for giving him a lifeline. (File) The one-day race will see cyclists race from Kigali to Rwamagana and is expected to attract over 100 cyclists. “We want to honour the memory of innocent cyclists who were killed because of how the were born. This race will not only honour cyclists killed in the Genocide but also the more than one million people killed in the Genocide,” Bayingana said. ‘Race to Remember’ was first held last year with 90 local riders from different parts of the country taking part. The competition, just like other events set to be held in different disciplines, is in line with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Sports and Culture urging all national sports federations to organise competitions to remember sportsmen and women who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to information from the National Cycling Federation, some of the riders killed during the Genocide include; Edouard Gasinzigwa and Théophile Gahutu [Ciné Elmay cycling club], Kayumba and Kayibanda [Club Rwamagana]. Others were; Hanriette based [Club Ruhengeri], François Musoni [Club Butare], Anselme Sakumi, former Vice Chairman of the Rwanda cycling federation, and Gasato, who was a national team rider. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
