Rider Moise Mugisha stole the show in Musanze, winning Friday's Men’s Elite Gorilla race in an entertaining style.

The 25-year-old, who rides for South African cycling side ProTouch, had to cope with pressure from the likes of Eric Muhoza and teammate Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo who gave him a difficult test throughout the entire tour but his experience made the difference.

Riders had to depart from Bisate heading to Virunga Hotel through Nyakinama and return to initial departure, an itinerary that covers a distance of 105 kilometres.

In a race that attracted a host of elite riders, Mugisha showed class as he managed to use his genius timing, plus taking advantage of weaknesses of his opponents, to overcome the challenge and win the race in a solo style.

He reached the finish line first after clocking two hours 44 minutes and 26 seconds and showed Eric Muhoza and Nzafashwanayo that they still have work to do to reach his racing standards.

Nzafashwanayo was in position to chase Mugisha in the final two kilometres with Muhoza and Patrick Byukusenge also close in the last breakaway but Mugisha held on to finish the race a champions, 14 second ahead of Muhoza while Nafashwanayo finished third with 24 seconds shy of the top.

The Musanze Gorilla race becomes Mugisha’s second consecutive triumph having won the Kibeho race in November.

Benediction Club’s Diane Ingabire won the women race, as she raced 87 kilometers in 2h18'12" and it took second rider Valentine Nzayisenga of Canyon/SRAM Team +02'59" to cross the finish line next while Xaveline Nirere came third with+04'30" behind.

Meanwhile, Les Amis Sportifs’ Djazilla Mwamikazi won the race in the juniors Women category, overcoming stiff competition from Bugesera Cycling Club’s duo Charlotte Uwitonze and Aline Uwera who finished second and third respectively.

Kevin Nshutiraguma, who rides for Cine Elmay, won men 's junior race after clocking 2h24'50" to cover a distance of 87 kilometres. It was a narrow victory as he crossed the finish line two seconds ahead of Moise Ntirenganya, while Espoir Uhiriwe, who rides for Nyabihu Cycling team, completed the top three.

Musanze Gorilla race is one of the races that comprise Rwanda Cycling Championship that will conclude with Nyanza Royal race slated for December 30.