PHOTOS: Elite Riders dominate Umusambi Gravel Race fourth edition

Eric Muhoza and Xaveline Nirere claimed the headline victories at the 2026 Musambi Gravel Race, but the fourth edition offered more than sporting results, using cycling to promote the protection of Rwanda’s wetlands and the Grey Crowned Crane.

Muhoza, riding for Twin Lakes Cycling Academy, won the Men’s Elite and U23 89.9km race in 2 hours, 42 minutes and 27 seconds.

He finished 2:58 ahead of Bukhari Banzi of Bugesera Cycling Team, while Kevin Dukuzumuremyi completed the podium in 2:58:40.

Manizabayo Jean de Dieu of Sina Cycling Club was fourth in 3:00:19, followed by Moise Ntirenganya of Team Amani in 3:05:44.

Valens Iradukunda, Jeannot Ndirishe, Fiacre Nizeyimana and Elie Kwizera completed the leading group.

Nirere delivered another strong performance in the Women’s Elite and U23 category, crossing the line in 3:07:43 to take victory for Team Amani.

Violette Neza of Komera Women Cycling Team was second, 17 minutes and 16 seconds behind, while Martha Ntakirutimana of Black Mamba Cycling finished third.

The junior categories also provided competitive racing.

Byusa Pacifique of Les Amis Sportifs won the Men’s Junior 89.9km race in 2:58:40, finishing 25:21 ahead of Romeo Bruce Isingizwe of ZIIP Cycling Academy.

Jean D’Amour Ishimwe of Bugesera Cycling Team was third.

In the Women’s Junior 50km race, Uwizeyimana Uwase Ancille of Bugesera Cycling Team took first place in 2:00:16, ahead of Gisele Nishimwe of Cine Elmay Cycling Club.

The event also featured a 40km Single Speed category.

Emmanuel Mufiteyesu of Kageyo won the men’s race in 1:17:26, while Nadia Umuhoza of Rwimiyaga took the women’s title in 2:05:37.

Beyond the racing, however, the Musambi Gravel Race carries a wider conservation message.

Organised by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) in partnership with the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY), the race takes riders around Rugezi Wetland, one of Rwanda’s most important natural ecosystems.

Rugezi, which stretches across Burera and Gicumbi districts in the Northern Province, is an important habitat for biodiversity and a major water source for Lakes Ruhondo and Burera. The lakes also support hydropower generation.

The wetland is particularly important for the Grey Crowned Crane. According to figures provided by RWCA, Rugezi is home to 378 cranes, more than a quarter of Rwanda’s total population of 1,438 recorded in the 2026 census.

That represents a major recovery from fewer than 300 cranes recorded nationally in 2015.

Rugezi is also home to 741 species, including 197 plant species, 134 bird species and 14 reptile species.

Through the race, organisers are encouraging communities to protect the wetland from cultivation, livestock grazing, hunting, waste disposal, pollution and the cutting of trees in its buffer areas.

They are also calling for an end to the capture and injury of Grey Crowned Cranes and the destruction of their nests.

Photos

• Men Juniors

• Women Elite

• Men Elite

• Matabaro