Ruhumuriza wins as Niyonshuti Academy opens

VETERAN rider Abraham Ruhumuriza retained this year’s Criterium de Rwamagana which was held over the weekend in Eastern Province.Ruhumuriza, who was recruited by Cinee Elmay recently, clocked 2h 49’01’’ in 100 kilometres to win the tournament and even the cash prize worth Rfw. 100.000.Benediction Club Nathan Byukusenge finished second, clocking 2h49’02’ while 19-year-old, Valens Ndayisenga from Amis Sportif de Rwamagana finished third.In the women category, the Amis Sportif rider, and 17-year- old Jeanne d’Arc Girubuntu won the 65km event after clocking 2h06’00’. She was followed by Clementine Niyonsaba and Fly rider Jeannette Uwimana.Niyonshuti cycling academy openedAfter the Criterium de Rwamagana event, Rwanda Cycling Federation officially inaugurated the Adrien Niyonshuti Cycling Academy.Named after the country’s best rider, the academy will train upcoming riders, both men and women. The academy will also target riders aged 16 to 18 (Junior category). The training centre will be open in the evenings, weekends and during school holidays. In the first year, 15 boys and 8 girls will train at the centre located in Eastern Province town of Rwamagana.The centre, which will receive support from the ‘Friends of Rwandan Cycling’ from Italy and UK, will enlist young riders aged between 12 and 18 years as well as female riders.The idea of naming the centre after Niyonshuti is to recognise his contribution towards putting Rwandan cycling on the international map.

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Ruhumuriza wins as Niyonshuti Academy opens