The 18th edition of the Tour du Rwanda is scheduled to take place from February 22 to March 1, 2026, across several districts of the country.
With two weeks remaining before the international race begins, the Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY) organised the Amahoro Criterium for the second consecutive year, following its debut in 2025, as part of efforts to evaluate riders’ form and race fitness.
The event brought together elite and under-23 male riders from various teams, including four Rwandan outfits set to compete in the Tour du Rwanda: Team Rwanda, May Stars, Team Amani, and Benediction Banaafrica Team.
A total of 54 riders lined up for the race, which started and finished at the Amahoro Stadium (Migina). The 3.9-kilometre circuit, passing through Contrôle Technique, kwa Rwahama, and Airtel, was covered over 12 laps.
Byukusenge crossed the line first in 1 hour and 15 seconds, finishing three seconds ahead of Étienne Tuyizere (Team Rwanda) and Jérémie Ngendahayo (May Stars).
Nsengiyumva Shemu and Shadrack Ufitimana, both of Team Rwanda, completed the top five. Vainqueur Masengesho placed sixth to finish as the best rider from Benediction Banaafrica Team, while Samuel Niyonkuru of Team Amani finished 13th.
Reacting to his victory, Byukusenge said the result reflected the team’s solid preparation ahead of the Tour du Rwanda.
“It was a good race. We have been preparing for some time and have spent over a month in camp. Winning doesn’t come as a surprise because we prepared well,” he said.
He added that the team is aiming for an improved performance compared to last year.
“We are confident we will perform better than last year. Our showing at the Tour of Sharjah demonstrated that we are in good condition.”
In the under-23 category, Shadrack Ufitimana emerged the winner, followed by Kevin Nshutiraguma, both from Team Rwanda, while Aimé Ruhumuriza of May Stars finished third.
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