Benediction Excel Energy and Team Rwanda rider Bonaventure Uwizeyimana has said he looks forward to more and bigger victories after clinching the 2019 national road championships on Sunday. It was his second championship, and the first since 2016. Uwizeyimana, the only Rwandan to ever win Tour du Cameroun (2018) and the first Rwandan to win a stage at the famous Gabonese race – La Tropicale Amisa Bongo – covered the 159.3km distance in a stunning time of three hours, 39 minutes and 40 seconds. In an interview with Times Sport on Wednesday, Uwizeyimana said: “I was so happy to win my second championship, but I was even more grateful for my teammates. It was possible because of them. The victory is a motivation to keep training and working hard every day. More and bigger victories will eventually come.” Jean Ruberwa, one of the best Les Amis Spotif de Rwamagana riders this season, finished in second position, seven seconds behind the champion, despite leading the peloton for a large part of the race. Benediction Excel Energy who lead the club rankings on the continent, according to the latest UCI (International Cycling Union) rankings, were also recognised as both champions in elite men and women’s categories came from the Rubavu-based side. Valentine Nzayisenga was crowned champion in women’s category. Felix Sempoma’s Benediction are Rwanda’s first and only UCI-registered side – as a continental team. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
