Eric Manizabayo of Benediction Club and Djazilla Mwamikazi emerged victorious in the 2024 Race to Remember cycling tournament held in Kigali on Sunday, April 29.
Organized annually by the local cycling governing body (Ferwacy), the event serves as a poignant tribute to the Tutsi victims of the 1994 Genocide, which claimed over a million lives. It also honors former members of the cycling community who lost their lives during the tragic events, including Anselme Sakumi, a pioneer of Rwanda’s cycling industry and sports promotion.
Sakumi’s memory, along with that of other victims, was honored during the race, highlighting the tournament’s dual significance as a sporting event and a commemoration of Rwanda’s painful history.
In the men’s elite category, Manizabayo sprinted to victory, outpacing Amani Awet of Java Inovotec and Patrick Byukusenge of CMC World Cycling Centre Africa. Manizabayo covered a distance of 113 kilometers in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 40 seconds, narrowly edging out his competitors by a mere second. This win marked a significant achievement, as Manizabayo seized the title from 2023 champion Jeremie Ngendahayo.
Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Mwamikazi of Ndabaga Women Cycling Club secured a comfortable victory, overcoming Josiane Mukashema with a lead of 55 seconds. Mwamikazi completed the 71.8-kilometer race in 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 23 seconds, claiming the title previously held by Dianne Ingabire.
Didier Twagirayezu of Kayonza Young Stars Cycling Team triumphed in the Men Juniors race, while Charlotte Iragena of Ndabaga Women Cycling Club emerged victorious in the Women Juniors category.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Race to Remember held profound significance, as participants from the cycling community, along with officials from the Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic Committee, paid their respects at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial site. The solemn gathering honored the more than 105,000 Tutsi victims laid to rest at the memorial, underscoring the event’s broader mission of remembrance and reflection.
