Following his stunning start to Rwanda Cycling Cup, Bonaventure Uwizeyimana has vowed to continue proving his critics wrong as he looks to make 2019 a ‘memorable’ season.

The 26-year old, visibly excited, said during an interview with this publication on Saturday after soloing to victory in the Northern Challenge, just two weeks after clinching his second national championship.

The 2018 Tour du Cameroon champion and former Team Dimension Data rider covered the 150.5km distance race – a 50km ride from Gakenke and 15 laps (6.7km each) – in Musanze District, in a stunning time of 3 hours, 32 minutes and 35 seconds.

He beat his closest contender, and Benediction Excel Energy teammate, Eric Manizabayo by 1 minute and 37 seconds.

"I’m very happy for yet another victory,” said Uwizeyimana. "I hope this puts an end to criticism that I was opportunist in winning the national championship two weeks ago.”

Uwizeyimana, stage winner of the 2014 La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, is one of the vastly experienced riders in Benediction, a side that have dominated the local cycling over the last three years following the downfall of former giants Les Amis Sportifs de Rwamagana.

Felix Sempoma’s Benediction, based in Rubavu District, are the first and only Rwandan club registered as a UCI Continental team.

"I want to make this season a memorable one, for me and for the club.”

editor@newtimesrwanda.com