Belgian duo Pierre de Froidmont and Axel Baumans dominated the opening day of the Rwandan Epic 2024, clinching victory in the Duo Men category.

The Orbea Team riders triumphed in the prologue stage on Monday, October 21, after completing the 8.8 km route around Fazenda Segha at Mount Kigali in 27 minutes and 12 seconds.

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Challenging them closely were Germans Daniel Gathof and Peter Schermann, who finished 48 seconds behind. Gathof, winner of 2023 Rwandan Epic, along with Bart Classens, couldn’t get hold of de Froidmont and Baumans’ pace and they will need to react when they return to action on Tuesday.

German rider Banzi Bukhari and his Rwandan counterpart Didier Munyaneza emerged in third place, trailing 1 minute and 43 seconds at the top.

The women’s category saw a powerful performance from Belgian cyclist Siska Marrécau and her Rwandan partner Martha Ntakirutimana who crossed the finish line in 37 minutes and 42 seconds.

They now lead the pack in Duo Women category.

Meanwhile, Spaniards Oscar Pujol and Mude Rodriguez excelled in the Duo Mixed category, winning the stage with a time of 36 minutes and 55 seconds, overcoming challenge from Rwandans Xaverine Nirere and Eric Muhoza who finished 30 seconds behind.

In the Solo Men category, Zeno Riondato emerged victorious, covering the distance in 29 minutes and 2 seconds to take the stage win.

The 2024 Rwandan Epic, now in its fourth edition, is renowned for its challenging courses and breathtaking scenery. The event has become a key platform for showcasing Rwanda’s beauty while promoting both sports and tourism in the region.

The race continues Tuesday with a demanding 94.9 km second stage, starting at Nyirangarama and concluding at the Africa Rising Cycling Center (ARCC) in Musanze District.