Nirere says starting UCI race in Kigali a ‘proud moment’ for Africans
“It’s a perfect moment for African riders, and this will inspire hope,” reacted Rwanda’s Xaverine Nirere after becoming the very first rider to start the women elite Individual Time Trial (ITT), the first race that opened the UCI Road World championships in Kigali on Sunday, September 21.
The event, staged for the first time on the African continent, saw Nirere cross the finish line in 50 minutes and 7 seconds, completing the 31.2 km route from BK Arena to the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
Despite finishing 27th in the general ITT ranking, Nirere was the first among 15 African riders in a field of 44 athletes representing 33 nations. Her teammate Diane Ingabire also competed, finishing 9 minutes and 48 seconds behind Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser, who claimed the gold medal.
“This race was different from others I’ve participated in. It featured cobblestones, steep descents, and hilly sections, which made it challenging. However, it also opened doors for young Rwandan cyclists to aspire to greater heights,” said Nirere, who had previously represented Rwanda at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships.
Meanwhile, Belgian Remco Evenepoel once again secured the rainbow jersey in men elite ITT for the third time in a row. Rwanda’s Shemu Nsengiyumva finished in 25th place, 6 minutes and 55 seconds behind him while Moise Mugisha finished 31st.
Despite struggling to impress on home soil, Nsengiyumva still feels proud of his performance.
“I gave my maximum effort. I’m now preparing for the final day of the road race, where I will also give my best in pursuit of victory,” Nsengiyumva reflected.
The Championships continue on Monday, September 22, with the battle for time trial titles now shifting to men and women U23.
The race will begin inside BK Arena and pass through key city points including Kimironko, Chez Lando, Gisimenti, Sonatubes, Kicukiro Centre, Gahanga, and Gikondo, before finishing at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
Rwanda will be represented by Claudette Nyirarukundo and Jazilla Mwamikazi are part of the 49 riders from 35 countries set to compete. In the men’s U23 event, Etienne Tuyizere and Samuel Niyonkuru will run against the clock among 61 riders from 43 nations.
