PHOTOS: Byukusenge, Mugisha dominate race for Tour du Rwanda preps

Nyanza-Rubavu Samuel Mugisha 4h 40’ 58’’Didier Munyaneza 4h 40’ 58’’Jean Bosco Nsengimana 4h 42’ 49’’Patrick Byukusenge 4h 42’ 53’’Gasore Hategeka Rubavu-Musanze Patrick Byukusenge 2h 38’1’’Gasore Hategaka 2h 38’2’’Samuel Hakiruwizeye 2h38’2’’Ephrem Tuyishimire 2h 38’ 4’’Eric Nduwayo 2h 38’ 4’’ Dimension Data Club rider Samuel Mugisha and Benediction Club rider Patrick Byukusenge dominated the two-day races organized as part of preparations for 2017 Tour du Rwanda. The races were held on Saturday and Sunday. 19-year-old Mugisha won the race from Nyanza District to Rubavu District after clocking 4h 40’ 58”’ in 180 km while Byukusenge won the Rubavu-Musanze leg after clocking 2h37’95.’’ Mugisha won the U23 title and elite race and he was followed by teammate Didier Munyaneza who clocked 4h40’58. Benediction Club rider Patrick Byukusenge celebrates the victory after winning the race from Rubavu to Musanze yesterday. Other top riders like Jean Bosco Nsengimana (Benediction Club) came in fourth place using 4h 42’ 49, Gasore Hategeka (Nyabihu Cycling Club) came in fifth place while in sixth place was Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Benediction Club). Valens Ndayisenga who rides for Tirol Cycling Club finished in 12th place. On Sunday, the riders covered Rubavu in four laps before heading to Musanze where Byukusenge went on to lead the peloton from Rubavu to Musanze. Meanwhile riders like two time Tour du Rwanda winner, Ndayisenge and one time winner Nsengimana were not impressive during the two days race. Two-time Tour du Rwanda winner Valens Ndayisenga leads the peloton during 180 km race from Nyanza to Rubavu on Saturday. After the races, Rwanda Cycling Federation and Team Rwanda will name fifteen players who will enter into the camp to prepare for Tour du Rwanda, which is slated to run from 12-19 November. A total of 17 teams from different parts of the world are set to grace this year’s 2.2 UCI Africa road race tour that will cover seven stages. After becoming part of UCI Africa tour 2009, Valens Ndayisenga made history by becoming the first Rwandan rider to win Tour du Rwanda in 2014. Jean Bosco Nsengimana won the 2015 edition and Ndayisenga repeated the 2014 feat in the 2016 edition, making him the first rider ever to claim it two times. Tour du Rwanda 2015 winner Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Samuel Mugisha lead the peloton during the race. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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PHOTOS: Byukusenge, Mugisha dominate race for Tour du Rwanda preps