Jean Claude Gashayija and Robin Martz finished top at the opening 2020 edition of Kigali Duathlon 2020 competition which took place at Kigali Arena over the weekend.
Jean Claude Gashayija reached the finished line as the best
The sixteen participants began with five kilometers of road running across the stadium towards Kimironko before hoping to the bike to cover 20 kilometers then finally finished with another 2.5 kilometers of road running.
On his part, Gashayija clocked in at one hour,51 minutes to claim the top prize for the meal category, followed Patrick Nzitatira in the second position after four minutes and eleven seconds later. Pacifique Niwentwari finished in the third position after clocking a time of one hour five minutes and ten seconds.
On her part, Robin Martz from the USA was crowned the best in the ladies category she clocked a time of the one hour, seven minutes and forty-four seconds ahead of Saidati Mutimuckeye who finished a time of one hour, eleven minutes and forty-two seconds.
The competition was organized by Rwanda Triathlon Federation in support of the Japan Embassy in Rwanda as well as Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC).
“Thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors the Japan Embassy and Japan Triathlon Federation for making this a success and contributed equipment to the clubs and athletes. Winning this competition means a lot to me” Gashayija told this publication after winning the first event this year.
The guest of honor Amb. Takayuki Miyashita, the Japanese envoy to Rwanda also delivered the donation of assortment from Japan Triathlon Federation.
These include: Bike shoes (10 pairs) running shoes (51 pairs), Goggles (79), caps (52), Tri suits (34), bike wear (199 pants), Bike tops (2070, T-Shirt (47), Helmet (2), Watch (9), running spats (4), Wetsuit (7) DH bar (1) and Bike Bottles(10).
He said, “It was a great pleasure to work with Rwanda Triathlon Federation in the Olympic Solidarity. Let me express my gratitude to the many people plus the participants. We hope this gear will be helpful and utilized by the federation to improve the performance of the sport in Rwanda”
Alex Mbaraga president of Rwanda Triathlon federation thanked the participants and the Japan Embassy for the donation of gear plus the RNOSC for donating bikes that will be used by participants during training session.
“The gear will be given out to different clubs, clubs have a problem with equipment, that is why some at times we don’t have enough participants taking part in some of these competitions The other aspect is that the gear used in this sport such as bicycles is expensive to acquire” he added.
