Cyclist Vainqueur Masengesho has expressed his delight after winning the 2024 National Road Championship on Sunday, August 18, but emphasised that there is still much work to be done to advance his career.

Masengesho, a rider for Team Benediction, claimed the national title in the men’s senior category, completing the 133-kilometer race in 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 41 seconds.

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He narrowly edged out his close competitor, Samuel Niyonkuru of Kenya&039;s Team Amani, who finished just one second behind, clocking in at 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 42 seconds.

In the women’s category, independent rider Diane Ingabire took home the championship trophy, covering the 94-kilometer course in 3 hours, 2 minutes, and 34 seconds.

She finished ahead of Violette Irakoze of Komera Cycling Women, who came in second with a time of 3 hours, 5 minutes, and 24 seconds.

"I really happy to win this race but I still have a lot of hand work to do in the future,” Masengesho said in an interview.

"Winning the championship is another step in my career because it is a goal for every successful rider,” he added.

He noted that his strong performance was largely a result of the intensive training he had undertaken in preparation for the 2024 Tour de l'Avenir, although he was unable to participate in the race due to delays in obtaining the necessary documents.