Rwanda’s growing reputation as a regional hub for competitive cycling was once again on display as Muhoza Eric of Team Amani and Ingabire Diane of Benediction Cycling Club emerged as overall winners of the Heroes Cycling Cup 2026, a race organized in honor of Rwanda’s National Heroes Day.
The prestigious cycling event took place on Saturday, January 24, bringing together 113 riders from different clubs and age categories. The race covered demanding routes across Kigali City and Gicumbi District, testing riders’ endurance, tactical awareness, and climbing ability on some of Rwanda’s most challenging terrain.
A Tough Route Across Kigali and Gicumbi
The Heroes Cycling Cup has grown into one of the most anticipated events on Rwanda’s local cycling calendar. This year’s edition featured a long and physically demanding course, reflecting the spirit of resilience and determination associated with the country’s national heroes.
Senior men and under-23 riders faced a grueling 154-kilometer route, while women and junior categories tackled slightly shorter but equally challenging distances. The race unfolded under competitive conditions, with riders pushing the pace from the early kilometers.
Muhoza Eric Dominates the Men’s Elite Race
The highlight of the men’s elite and under-23 combined category came during the decisive climb of Tetero Hill, on the way to Gicumbi. It was there that Muhoza Eric launched a powerful attack that would ultimately decide the race.
As the peloton began to stretch on the climb, Muhoza showed superior strength and tactical timing, opening a gap of more than two minutes over his closest challengers. From that moment on, he rode with confidence and control, maintaining his advantage through the remaining sections of the course.
Muhoza crossed the finish line at Batsinda riding solo, stopping the clock at 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 19 seconds, sealing a convincing victory and earning widespread praise from cycling observers.
He was followed by Tuyizere Étienne of Java-InovoTec Pro Team, who finished second, trailing by 1 minute and 19 seconds. Byukusenge Patrick, a teammate of Tuyizere, completed the podium in third place.
Strong Performances in the Under-23 Category
In the under-23 men’s classification, Niyomugabo Jean Claude of Benediction Banafrica Team delivered an impressive ride to claim first place among young riders. His consistency throughout the race allowed him to outperform several experienced competitors.
He was followed by Manizabayo Jean de Dieu from Sina Cycling Team, who finished second, while Tuyizere Hashim of Les Amis Sportifs secured third place, rounding out a competitive podium for the youth category.
Ingabire Diane Claims Women’s Victory After Tight Sprint
The women’s race, covering a distance of 145 kilometers, delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the day. Ingabire Diane of Benediction Cycling Club emerged victorious after a fiercely contested sprint finish.
She completed the race in 3 hours, 12 minutes, and 3 seconds, narrowly edging out Mwamikazi Jazilla and Ntakirutimana Martha, both representing Ndabaga Women Cycling Team. The three riders reached the finish line almost simultaneously, forcing officials to rely on a sprint decision to determine the final rankings.
Ingabire’s victory highlighted her growing consistency and competitive maturity within Rwanda’s women’s cycling scene, where competition continues to intensify with each season.
Junior and Youth Categories Shine
In the junior men’s category, which covered the same distance as the women’s race, Nkurikiyinka Jackson of Benediction Club claimed first place after an impressive performance. He completed the course in 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 47 seconds.
Nkurikiyinka crossed the line at the same time as Byusa Pacifique of Les Amis Sportifs, who finished second, while Niyonkuru Yassinaza secured third place, completing a closely contested race among Rwanda’s emerging cycling talents.
Among the junior women, who raced over 85 kilometers, Masengesho Yvonne of Ndabaga Women Team once again demonstrated her dominance by taking first place. She was followed by Uwizeyimana Ancille from Bugesera Cycling Team, who delivered a solid performance to finish second.
Absence of National Team Riders
This year’s Heroes Cycling Cup took place without several top riders from Rwanda’s men’s national cycling team, who were competing at the Tour of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Among those absent was Nkundabera Eric, the defending champion from last year’s edition.
Despite their absence, the race maintained a high competitive level, offering valuable opportunities for local riders to step into the spotlight and demonstrate their potential on a national stage.
A Celebration of Sport and National Values
The Heroes Cycling Cup continues to play a significant role in combining sports development with national remembrance, honoring the courage and sacrifice of Rwanda’s heroes through athletic excellence. The 2026 edition reaffirmed the race’s importance in nurturing talent, promoting unity, and strengthening Rwanda’s cycling culture.
With strong performances across all categories, the event once again confirmed Rwanda’s steady progress in competitive cycling, as local riders continue to raise standards and attract growing attention both locally and regionally.
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