Eric Muhoza and Xaverine Nirere of Crew Amani have been topped winners of the 2026 Umusambi Gravel Race on Saturday.
Organised by Rwanda Biking Federation in partnership with Rwanda the annual biking occasion combines sport with environmental conservation and raises consciousness in regards to the safety of Rwanda’s gray topped cranes.
The race concluded on Saturday, with Muhoza and Nirere successful the boys’s and ladies’s elite classes, respectively.
ALSO READ: Gray Topped Crane inhabitants has risen to just about 1,500 – survey
In contrast to earlier editions, which featured sections of tarmac, this 12 months’s race was held solely on murram roads throughout Burera and Gicumbi districts, surrounding the Rugezi Swamp—one in all Rwanda’s most necessary wetlands and a key habitat for the gray topped crane.
The occasion introduced collectively elite women and men, junior and beginner cyclists, in addition to riders competing within the common Matabaro, or “pneux ballons,” class.
In accordance with the 2026 census, Rwanda is house to 1,438 gray topped cranes, together with 378 discovered within the Rugezi Swamp—greater than 1 / 4 of the nation’s complete inhabitants.
The wetland can be house to 741 species, together with 197 plant species, 134 hen species and 14 reptile species, underscoring its significance as one in all Rwanda’s key biodiversity areas.
Muhoza claimed the boys’s elite title after finishing the 89km course in 2 hours, 42 minutes and 27 seconds.
He completed 2 minutes and 59 seconds forward of Banzi Bukhari of Twin Lakes Biking Academy, whereas Kevin Dukuzumuremyi of Bugesera Biking Crew accomplished the rostrum in third place.
“Racing in my house nation is all the time one thing I look ahead to, however extra importantly, right this moment we’re right here to assist preserve the surroundings. This exhibits how sport could make a optimistic influence on society,” Muhoza stated.
ALSO READ: Gray Topped Crane inhabitants has risen to just about 1,500 – survey
Within the ladies’s elite class, Nirere additionally dominated the 89km race, crossing the end line in 3 hours, 7 minutes and 43 seconds.
Violette Neza Irakoze of Komera Girls Biking Crew completed second, 17 minutes and 16 seconds behind Nirere, whereas Martha Ntakirutimana took third place.
Gicumbi official praises race’s influence
Parfaite Uwera, Vice-Mayor in Cost of Financial Growth in Gicumbi District, counseled the organisers and different stakeholders for utilizing the occasion to develop biking expertise whereas selling environmental conservation.
“We’re happy with this occasion, which has reached its fourth version. Seeing the enjoyment on individuals’ faces is a superb sight to witness. The race not solely helps develop biking expertise but additionally raises consciousness in regards to the conservation of gray topped cranes, as efforts proceed to have the Rugezi Swamp designated as a nationwide park,” she stated.
Ancille Uwizeyimana of Bugesera Biking Crew received the ladies’s junior class after finishing the 50km course in 2 hours and 16 seconds. She was adopted by Gisele Nishimwe of Cine Elmay Biking Membership.
Within the males’s junior class, Pacific Byusa claimed the title after clocking 1 hour, 34 minutes and 16 seconds.
In the meantime, Emmanuel Mufiteyesu continued his dominance within the Matabaro class, securing his fourth consecutive victory within the race.
