Samuel Niyonkuru was pointing to himself in celebration of winning back to back "Umusambi Gravel Race” on Sunday, September 1.
Organized by the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) in partnership with the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), Umusambi Gravel Race is aimed at promote the conservation of the grey-crowned crane, an iconic bird species in Rwanda.
Participants cycled through scenic routes that surrounded the Rugezi Marsh, a vital habitat for nearly a quarter of Rwanda's grey-crowned crane population.
The race featured three categories: professional men and women, non-professionals, and traditional bicycle users.
Niyonkuru, who rides for Team Amani in Kenya, experienced an early setback midway the race, when he rode into a puncture, 30 kilometers into the 89.1-kilometer race, which could potentially have derailed his chances. However, he quickly repaired his bike and had a solo ride to the finish line in Butaro Center, Burera District, retaining the race he won in 2023.
He crossed the finish line using 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 25 seconds, opening a gap of 18 minutes and 5 seconds between him and Cine Elmay’s Kevin Nshutiraguma who followed while Innocent Niyireba secured third place.
Jean Manizabayo of Team Sina Gerard, who had been closely trailing Niyonkuru for most of the race, finished in fourth place, 21 minutes behind the winner.
"It feels great to win this race again, especially after the challenges I faced during the ride. The competition was tough, but I’m proud to have come out on top," Niyonkuru said.
In the professional women's race, Violette Irakoze Neza, proved unstoppable as she outpaced five other competitors to claim the victory.
Her performance reinforced her status as one of the top female cyclists emerging in the country.
"Winning this race is a big achievement for me. It’s not just about the title; it’s about contributing to a cause that I deeply care about," Irakoze said.
In the amateur category, where participants competed in a 46-kilometer course, Jean Damascène Ruberwa, a former Tem Rwanda rider, came out on the top on men’s category while Domina Ingabire took the win in the women’s category.
Cyclists in Burera using traditional bikes, also known as ‘pneu ballon’, were not left behind as FERWACY added them into the race.
A total of 74 participants, including nine women, took on on a 37-kilometer challenge after which Donatha Akimana from Ngarama Women Cycling Team and Emmanuel Mufiteyesu from Gicumbi claimed top spots walking away with Rwf 70,000 and a professional bike each.
"Umusambi Gravel Race" not only serves as a platform for competitive cycling but also underscores the importance of environmental conservation in Rwanda.
The event has grown in significance since its inception in 2023, bringing together cyclists of all categories who share a commitment to protecting the grey-crowned crane and its habitat.