Kigali-Nyagatare (148,5km)

Classification1. Joseph Areruya – 3h45’37’’2. Camera Hakuzimana- 3h45’37’’3. Jean Claude Uzwizeyimana 3h45’37’’4. Rene Ukiniwabo 3h45’37’’5. Samuel Mugisha 3h45’37’’ 6. Patrick Byukusenge 3h45’37’’ Junior1. Eric Imanizabayo 2h55’372. Janvier Rugamba 2hh55’53’’3. Yves Ngabonziza 2h56’09

Women1. Beatha Ingabire 2h00’332. Clementine Niyongaba 2h00’333. Xaverine Nirere 2h 3’104. Benitha Uwamariya 2h 4’305. Chantal Uwayezu 2h9’08

Joseph Areruya, riding for Rwamagana-based Team Amis Sportif, won stage one of this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup, from Kigali to Nyagatare, covering a distance of 148,5km after clocking 3h45’37’’.

Last year, Areruya finished second overall, while Benediction Club Gasore Hategeka was the opening race.Yesterday, Benediction Club rider Camera Hakuzimana, came in second position in a time of 3h45’37’’, while Jean Claude Uwizeyimana (Amis Sportif) was third after he clocked 3h45’37’’.

After the race, Areruya said, "I am happy to win this stage, I have started well, I am prepared to win the overall event. This year, I hope everything will be different and finish in top position.”

The leader of Amis Sportif took home Rwf160,000 — Rwf100,000 winning the elite race and Rwf60, 000 for toping the U23 category.

Benediction Club’s Eric Imanizabayo won the junior category from Rwamagana to Nyagatare, covering a distance of 101km after clocking 2h55’37. He received Rwf50, 000 for his win.

In the women category, Amis Sportif rider Beatha Ingabire won the stage from Kiramuruzi to Nyagatare, a total of 67km, after she using 2h00’33’’ and she got Rwf50,000.

The competition will have 11 stages and will end on October 23, less than a month before the start of Tour du Rwanda.

The competition is aimed at discovering young talented cyclists.

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