Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwandan star riders Claudette Nyirarukundo of Team Amani Java Inovotec’s Patrick Byukusenge put up dominant performance to win the 4th edition of Kirehe Race held on Sunday, October 12.
The duo represented Rwanda at the recent 2025 UCI Road World Championships held in Kigali in September. It was a double triumph for Nyirarukundo, who also won the opening stage of the race.
The competition saw elite and U23 riders (both men and women), along with junior men, cover an 11-lap circuit totaling 92.4 km. Meanwhile, the junior women completed a five-lap circuit totaling 69.5 km.
Byukusenge clocked 2 hours and 19 minutes to win the race in the men’s elite category, narrowly coming ahead of his teammates Shemu Nsengiyumva, who finished with no time difference, and Etienne Tuyizere who crossed the finish line 1 minute and 5 seconds adrift.
“Yesterday, I didn’t finish the first stage, but I was still hoping to win today’s stage. That’s why I made an early breakaway to get here,” Byukusenge said.
In the women’s elite and U23 categories, Nyirarukundo rode her bikes the fastest in 2 hours, 38 minutes, and 4 seconds, keeping a 3-minute-and-36-second gap between her and second-placed Diane Ingabire who only competed in the elite category.
Martha Ntakirutimana finished third in the elite category and second in the U23 women’s category.
“I’m very happy; I can now feel that I was truly competing. Even though today’s race was tough due to the hilly course,” Nyirarukundo said.
In the junior men’s category, Brian Ishimwe of Ndabaga Cycling Team took first place, followed by Jules Mugabo and Evariste Ndayizeye in second and third positions, respectively whileYvonne Masengesho won the women’s junior race.
Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) Vice President Valent Bigango commended the administration of Kirehe District led by Bruno Rangira for its dedication in promoting cycling in the district through supporting the race.
“This district has shown a great commitment to sports development and making cycling part of its community. That’s why we decided to award the mayor with an honorary trophy,” Bigango said.
According to Rangira, Kirehe has witnessed a growing love for cycling over the past four editions and he attributed the positive trend to the annual race.
“Our future ambition is not only to continue hosting such races but also to work with our partners to establish a district cycling team. I would also like to request that Tour du Rwanda consider bringing one of its stages to Kirehe,” he said.
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