Elite men (150km)
1. Didier Munyaneza – 3:53:43
2. Shemu Nsengiyumva – 3:53:45
3. Renus Byiza Uhirwe – 4:01:05
4. Ali Fidele Dukuzumuremyi – 4:01:07
5. Gasore Hategeka – 4:01:10
6. Samuel Mugisha – 4:01:10
Junior men (115km)
1. Eric Muhoza – 3:08:26
2. Omar Niyitegeka – 3:18:08
3. Elisée Bikorimana – 3:19:20
4. Jean-Bosco Hategemana – 3:19:36
5. Stanislas Bizimana – 3:20:07
Women (90km)
1. Olive Izerimana – 3:11:58
2. Diane Ishimwe – 3:12:10
3. Jacqueline Tuyishime – 3:12:16
4. Diane Ingabire – 3:12:16
5. Josiane Mukashema – 3:12:36
Former national champion Didier Munyaneza has registered his first victory this year after defying the odds to claim Kivu Race on Saturday.
The 21-year old Club Benediction rider was a minnow before the start with odds favouring the 2018 Tour du Rwanda winner, Samuel Mugisha.
Munyaneza, who made history last year as the youngest rider – at 20 –to win the national road championship, covered the 150km distance in 3 hours, 53 minutes 43 seconds, two seconds ahead of first runner-up Shemu Nsengiyumva who rides for Rwamagana-based Les Amis Sportifs club.
However, the biggest highlight in Rubavu was the stellar performance of youngster Renus Byiza Uhiriwe (4:01:05) who finished third on his debut in the senior category.
The 18-year old is part of four riders who will represent the country at the upcoming Road World Championships in Yorkshire, England, next week.
Italy-based Dimension Data for Qhubeka rider Samuel Mugisha finished in the sixth position.
Fresh from winning Rwamagana Circuit earlier this month, in-form Eric Muhoza won the title in men’s junior category, with Dianne Izerimana taking the top honours in women’s section.
The next race on the year-round 2019 Rwanda Cycling Cup championship is due October 19 in Huye District.
