PHOTOS: Munyaneza wins ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ race

Fast-rising cyclist Didier Munyaneza showed his compatriots a sneak peek of what to expect in this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup campaign by claiming a solo powerful victory in the second edition of ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ race on Saturday in Huye.

By Geoffrey Asiimwe
 

Benediction Club's youngster Didier Munyaneza celebrates his solo finish of Memorial Byemayire Lambert race in Huye yesterday. Sam Ngendahimana.

Saturday
Men Elite&U23: Kigali-Huye+6 laps (158km)
1. Didier Munyaneza (Club Benediction) 4h14’38”
2. Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Club Benediction) 4h15’09”
3. Patrick Byukusenge (Club Benediction) 4h15’15”
4. Valens Ndayisenga (Pays Olonne Cycliste) 4h15’16”
Men Jrs: Muhanga-Huye+ 2 laps (92km)
1. Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo (Club Benediction) 2h27’37”
2. Jean Claude Muhawenimana (Club Benediction) 2h27’37”
3. Albert Mugisha (Les Amis Sportif) 2h30’38”
Women: Muhanga-Huye (81km)
1. Violette Irakozeneza (Muhazi Cycling Generation) 2h33’03”
2. Jacqueline Tuyishimire (Club Benediction) 2h33’03”
3. Valentine Nzayisenga (Club Benediction) 2h33’08”
Fast-rising cyclist Didier Munyaneza showed his compatriots a sneak peek of what to expect in this year’s Rwanda Cycling Cup campaign by claiming a solo powerful victory in the second edition of ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire’ race on Saturday in Huye.
The Club Benediction rider stunned a star-studded field to win the race organized by Rwanda Cycling Federation in honor of the federation former vice president Byemayire, who died in 2016.
Munyaneza, 22, who first came into national limelight during the 2017 Tour du Rwanda in which he debuted and finished in the top ten, covered the 158km, Kigali-Huye+6 laps, in 4 hours, 14 minutes and 38 seconds.
Experienced riders including double Tour du Rwanda winner, Valens Ndayisenga, 2015 All African Games road race gold winner, Janvier Hadi and 2016 Tour du Rwanda champion, Jean Bosco Nsengimana among others, where all left trailing.
Meanwhile, La Tropicale Amissa Bongo and Tour du Rwanda reigning champion, Joseph Areruya was a notable absentee after he was reportedly given time to rest as he gears up for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.
Nonetheless, Club Benediction dominated once again as riders from the Rubavu-based club scooped the three positions. Munyaneza was followed home by Bonaventure Uwizeyimana, who clocked 4h15’09” while reigning champion Patrick Byukusenge came third, posting 4h15’15”.
Ndayisenga, who had led the race before dropping off the pace with a few kilometres left, finished fourth in 4h15’16’.
In the juniors’ category, Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo from Club Bendictions won the 92km race after posting 2h27’37”, whereas Muhazi Cycling Generation’s Violette Irakozeneza took the women’s race, covering the 82km race in 2h33’03”.
The next race, ‘Farmers’ Circuit’ is slated for May 19—it will start from Kayonza to Gicumbi.

After the road race , cycling lovers accompanied to the family of late Lambert Byemayire to lay wreaths at his grave

Benediction Club's Bonaventure Uwizemana( 2nd) wins the second position in Elites category

Club Benediction 's Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo wins the race in Juniors category, he crosses the finish line in 2h27’37”

Cycling Club for All (CCA) rider Mathieu Twizerane and Samuel Hakiruwizeye were hoping to win the race organized to remember their former CCA sponsor Lambert Byemayire

Didier Munyaneza covered the 158km, Kigali-Huye+6 laps, in 4 hours, 14 minutes and 38 seconds.

FERWACY President Aimable Bayingana lays wreath at former Rwanda Cycling Federation vice president Lambert Byemayire, who passed away two years ago

From Kigali to Huye, many cycling supporters come to cheer on riders during the race

Jean Claude Uwizeye and Valens Ndayisenga lead other riders in a break away, they both completed their deal to join France based team Pays Olonne Cycliste

Karadiyo ina action

Les Amis Sportif rider Valens Ndayisenga tries a solo attack in Nyanza District

Munyaneza makes his better debut after winning U23 & Elite Men, Kigali Huye  plus 6 laps in Huye town , a158km race christened Memorial Byemayire Lambert

Nyabihu cycling team assistant coach captured here gives water to his rider

Rene Jean Paul Ukiniwabo of Les Amis Sportifs and Gasore Hategeka of Nyabihu Cycling club before the race

Rubavu-based Club Benediction’s Jean Bosco Nsengimana in action during the race, he helped his teammate Munyaneza to win the race

Team Rwanda head coach Sterling Magnell chats with Jean Claude Uwizeye and Valens Ndayisenga

The 49-rider peloton in elite men’s race depart from Gitikinyoni in Kigali to Huye District a 158km race

The elite men’s race, arguably the most anticipated portion of the event, covers a distance of 158km

The opening race is dubbed ‘Memorial Lambert Byemayire

The race attacted over 80 cyclists in three separate categories namely; the U23 & elite men’s category, the junior men’s category and the women’s category

The unbreakable break away of Jean Bosco Nsengimana, Didier Munyaneza and Jean Claude Uwizeye helped Rubavu based rider Munyaneza to win the race

The winner of the race Didier Munyaneza celebrates his double victory

Tour du Rwanda 2015 winner Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Two time Tour du Rwanda champion Valens Ndayisenga during the race.

Two-time Tour du Rwanda winner Valens Ndayisenga leads the peloton during the race.

Violette Irakozeneza of Muhazi Cycling Generation the winner in women category finishes the race in 2h33’03”

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