Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda’s junior riders were far from impressive in what was almost everyone’s first experience competing at the UCI Road World Championships’ Individual Time Trial (ITT) category held on Tuesday, September 23.
In the women’s category, Rwanda’s Yvonne Masengesho kicked off the junior ITT race, leaving the starting point one minute ahead of the next rider. She covered the 18.3km course in 29 minutes and 43 seconds, crossing the finish line at the Kigali Convention Center (KCC).
Although she finished 3 minutes and 55 seconds behind ultimate winner Megan Arens of the Netherlands, Masengesho secured 33rd position in the general classification. She was followed by teammate Liliane Uwiringiyimana, who finished 5 minutes and 11 seconds behind the winner, placing 40th overall.
“We struggled along the route. I’m a climber, but when it comes to descending, I failed. Still, I’m taking this as a learning experience,” Uwiringiyimana told Times Sport.
Meanwhile, the men’s junior ITT commenced at 1:53 pm, immediately after the women’s race concluded. Pacifique Byusa clocked 34 minutes and 34 seconds to complete the 22.6km route. Although he briefly occupied the hot seat, it was later claimed by the Netherlands’ Michiel Mouris, who eventually won claimed the rainbow jersey.
“I spent some quiet time in the hot seat before leaving it. That moment gave me confidence but also left me hungry to improve in the areas where I struggled,” Byusa said.
Byusa finished 53rd in the general classification, two positions behind compatriot Brian Ishimwe, who recently won the opening stage of the 2025 Rwanda Junior Tour on August 15. Ishimwe finished 5 minutes and 52 seconds behind Mouris.
The World Championships continue on Wednesday, September 24, starting at 1:45 p.m., with the Team Time Trial Mixed Relay.
Each team will be composed of three boys and three girls covering a total of 41.8km.
Team Rwanda will feature Patrick Byukusenge, Michael Uwiduhaye, and Eric Nkundabera in the men’s side, while the women’s lineup includes Claudette Nyirarukundo, Xaverine Nirere, and Diane Ingabire. They will compete against 14 other national teams.
Unlike ITT races which started at BK Arena, the Team Time Trials will start and finish at Kigali Convention Centre (KCC)
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