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Team News

Rwanda: Cyclists Finish Tenth in Gabon

January 26, 2009
Written by: 
Julius Mbaraga

AllAfrica.com
Kigali — In the absence of Rwanda's top cyclists Adrian Niyonshuti and Nathan Byukusenge, Rafiki Uwimana emerged as Rwanda's top performer at this year's La Tropicale Amissa Bongo.

The competition that ran for five days in the Gabonese capital Libreville was the first competitive event on the 2009 International Cycling Union calendar.

Uwimana clocked 18 hours and 35 minutes to finish 29th in the 646km race which ran from January 13-18.

Nyandwi Uwase was Rwanda's second best cyclist after clocking 18 hours and 41 minutes to finish 30th.

In the team rankings, Rwanda finished 10th out of 14 countries but Aimable Bayingana, the national cycling federation president still believes that the team deserves credit for its display.

"We have every reason to believe that we could have done better with our top cyclists (Niyonshuti and Byukusenge) around," he said. The pair stayed behind after being selected to represent MTN Rwanda in a cycling event in South Africa.

Rwanda cycling teams off to Gabon

January 10, 2009
Written by: 
OSTINE ARINAITWE

The New Times
The national cycling team leaves this morning for Gabon where they will take part in a five day championship dubbed ‘La Tropicale Amissa Bongo.’

The eight-man contingent of six riders and two officials departs from Kigali International airport abroad Kenya airways for the event that is scheduled for January 13-18.

The six riders include; Abraham Ruhumuriza, Obed Ruvogera, Nyandwi Uwase, Jean de Dieu Rafiki, Daniel Nyendahayo, Nicodem Hayibambere.

According to the cycling federation president Aimable Bayingana, seasoned national team riders Andre Niyonshuti and Nathan Byukusenge have been left behind because they have just returned from representing MTN Rwanda in a South African event.

‘La Tropicale Amissa Bongo’ event is expected to attract competitors from across the continent and beyond.

Rwanda cycling star laid to rest

December 18, 2008
Written by: 
FLORENCE MUTESI

New Times

RWAMAGANA — Grief and sorrow engulfed Rwamagana town on Monday as renowned young cyclist Godfrey Gahemba was laid to rest in a ceremony attended by thousands of mourners.

The burial at Rwamagana cemetery was preceded by a requiem mass at Rwamagana Cathedral - attended by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Joseph Habineza, Provincial and Rwamagana district officials, Rwanda Cycling Federation leaders, youth who participate in cycling race, relatives and friends.

Described in the eulogy as Rwanda’s rising star, 17-year-old Gahemba was struck and tragically killed by a vehicle on Sunday December 14 during a cycling race in Rwamagana.

He represented Rwanda at this year’s Junior World Championships in Cape Town, South Africa, finishing in 162nd position after fellow Citizen Innocent Sibomana dropped out of the race.

And he also finished third in this year’s the Tour of Rwanda competition (1072 Kms) and emerged first in the junior rider category.

Reflections on a fallen hero

December 17, 2008
Written by: 
Jock Boyer

Sarah and Godfrey at the Junior World Championships in Cape Town, South Africa

The day following the tragic loss of Godfrey Gahemba, I started from Gisenyi on the 2.5 hr bike ride to Musanzi. My only strength available to me was the energy I was receiving from the relayed messages Sarah was sending me via sms. The messages were from all around the world from people that had heard about our tragic loss, people that either knew the team or had only read about it and had embraced us. With each telltale French siren ringtone alerting me to an incoming sms I knew there was another heartfelt note attached to a prayer lifting me and the team up. It was the sustaining force that kept me going through those beautiful hillsides of this country that has adopted me.

Tour de Rwanda star dead

December 16, 2008
Written by: 
BONNIE MUGABE

New Times
Rwanda’s cycling fraternity is in shock after the sudden death of rising cycling star Godfrey a.k.a Cho Gahemba in a motor accident on Sunday in Rwamagana, Eastern Province.

The 17-year old cyclist who also doubled as the head coach of the East Province cycling team in the ongoing Good governance championship was hit by a speeding vehicle while giving instructions to his team during the stage of Rwamagana to Kayaonza.

Gahemba who had been dubbed as the budding face of Rwandan cycling surpassed all expectations when he finished third in this year’s Tour De Rwanda.

Gahemba represented Rwanda at this year’s Junior World Championship in South Africa. He finished 162 after fellow compatriot Innocent Sibomana had dropped out of the race.

Rwanda’s cycling body, Ferwacy secretary, Emmanuel Murenzi told Times Sport yesterday that Gahemba was a talent for the future who the country would bank on for success in future international tournaments.

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