Saturday

Kigali-Huye+Circuit (6 laps)

Men Elite & U23

1. Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Club Benediction) 4h:14’:19”2. Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Club Benediction) 4h:15’:47”3. Rene Jean Paul Ukiniwabo (Les Amis Sportifs) 4h:17’:00”JuniorsMuhanga-Huye+Circuit (3 laps)1. Eric Manizabayo (Club Benediction) 2h:25’:50”2. Jimmy Mbarushimana (Club Benediction) 2h:28’:20”3. Eric Muhoza (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:28’:20”

Women

1. Jean d’Arc Girubuntu (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:34’:38”2. Xaverine Nirere (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:34’:38”3. Beatha Ingabire (Les Amis Sportifs) 2h:34’:38”

In what will serve as an ominous warning to his rivals, highly-rated Camera Hakuzimana has vowed to reclaim his spot among the top riders in Rwanda following his return to cycling after 10 months out of action.

The 24-year-old was suspended by Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) in June last year for six months along with five other Team Rwanda riders, following their inappropriate behavior during the Vuelta a Colombia.

The former Club Benediction de Rubavu rider made his return on Saturday during the opening race of 2017 Rwanda Cycling Cup, dubbed ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ riding for Huye-based Cycling Club for All (CCA).

The Men Elite category started in Kigali (Gitikinyoni) to Huye plus a 5.5km circuit around Huye town, covering a total distance of 158km and was won by Jean Bosco Nsengimana, who finished ahead of teammate Bonaventure Uwizeyimana while Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana’s Rene Jean Paul Ukiniwabo took third position.

However, Hakuzimana reached in Huye when the first breakaway group that comprised Nsengimana, Uwizeyimana and Ukiniwabo had finished the first lap in the 5.5km circuit around Huye town hence pulling out and was considered in ‘Did Not Finish.’

Up to 21 other riders, along with Hakuzimana, were forced to pull out because of reaching Huye after the lead pack had completed the first of six laps.

"We did a terrible mistake during the race and allowed the break away to go and when we tried to attack it was really too late and we were disqualified which is unfortunate but all in all, I am happy that I am back and I hope to make a new chapter in my career,” Hakuzimana told Times Sport.

Last June, several Team Rwanda riders were suspended indefinitely by the cycling federation over allegations of indiscipline.

It all started with Team Rwanda summoning five riders to compete at the 66th edition of Vuelta a Colombia, an annual cycling road race that was held from June 13-26. The riders included; Hakuzimana, Areruya, Samuel Mugisha, Jean Claude Uwizeye and Patrick Byukusenge.

Towards the time of heading to Colombia, Byukusenge pulled out of the squad as he was preparing for his wedding, which reduced the number to four, who also upon arriving in Colombia, first demanded to have their allowances paid before the competition.

Upon return to the country, FERWACY suspended all the five riders for six months; however, they were allowed back into the team after apologizing, with only the unapologetic Hakuzimana preferring to serve his suspension.

On serving his suspension, the Nyabihu-born cyclist said, "Everything is now sorted and I am looking forward to working hard and returning into the national team.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw