Rwanda Cycling Federation, in conjunction with SORAS Groupe LTD, has organised the Ascension des Mille Collines on Sunday, which also acts the first round of the national championship.

The race will be flagged off in Huye in the Southern Province this morning when the riders will make the 129km cross to Kigali and finish at Stade de Kigali, Nyamirambo.

All local clubs are expected to take part in the event and each team is allowed to have not less than four and not above six riders.

Local clubs expected to take part in the race include; Benediction Club, Rapide, Satellite, Les Amis Sportifs, Fly Club, Cycling Club for All, Kiramuruzi Cycling team, Cine Elmay and Abahizi.

Last year, Adrien Niyonshuti was the first rider to win the race back-to-back when it was still called Tour of Kigali.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, youngster Valens Ndayisenga won the one-day competition organised by the local cycling federation in partnership with Rwanda Biometrical Center aimed at fighting against drug use among the youth.

The 19-year-old won the 91km race after clocking 2h,38’6’’ and walked away with Rwf100,000.Hategeka Gasore came in second position after clocking  2h39’49’’ and got Rwf80,000.Jean Bosco Nsengiyumva finished in third position after clocking 2h40’43’’ and received Rfw60,000.

Nathan Byukusenge finished fourth with time of 2h50’25’’ and took Rwf40, 000, while veteran Abraham Ruhumuriza came fifth at 2h50’26’’ and walked away with Rfw20, 000. 

The event started from Stade Amahoro – Chez Lando – Giporoso – Kabuga – La Palice Hotel – Umushumba mwiza–Rwahama – KIE- Station Engine – Police – Stade Amahoro.