Didier Munyaneza continued his stellar season on Saturday as he claimed the 2019 Farmers’ Race in Musanze, a race that is part of the Rwanda Cycling Cup.
It was a second victory within one week for the 21-year-old after clinching the Tour du Sénégal last Sunday.
With Saturday’s triumph, Munyaneza became the first rider to register more than one win in this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup following his Kivu Race success, in Rubavu, in September.
Speaking to reporters after crossing the line, Munyaneza attributed his outstanding victories to obeying advice from his coaches, stressing that he looks forward to particularly winning the Rwanda Cycling Cup title and more competitions ahead.
"Securing this victory just after another mega win (Tour du Sénégal) simply shows how ready I am to take my game to a higher level. More victories ahead will come,” he said.
The Farmers’ Race comprised three categories namely; the men’s elite category, the men’s junior category and women’s event. The juniors raced 94km, with the women doing 75.6km, while the elite men rode 113.4 kilometres.
Diane Ingabire, 18, from Mukamira Sector, in Nyabihu District, won the title in women’s section to mark her third consecutive win in Rwanda Cycling Cup this season after victories in Huye and Muhanga.
"2019 has been a blessing to me. This is a motivation and also a challenge as I have to fight harder to ensure I keep the momentum. My target is to take my talent to international level just like our brothers have proved it is possible,” visibly excited Ingabire told Sunday Sport in an exclusive interview after her win.
Eric Muhoza, of Les Amies Sportifs Rwamagana, scooped the top prize in men’s junior contest, whereas Munyaneza also took home the award for the best rider in men’s U23 classification.
The one-day race attracted riders from all local cycling clubs including foreign-based Rwandan cyclists and Goma Cycling Centre from neighbouring DR Congo.
Since its inception in 2015, Rwanda Cycling Cup has kept Skol and Cogebanque as its main partners. The two companies also sponsor the Tour du Rwanda.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com