Running News Daily

Marseille-Cassis: Rwanda's Félicien Muhitira wins the race, Martégal's Clémence Calvin wins the women's race

Rwanda's Félicien Muhitira, 29-year-old athlete crossed the finish line after 1:01:42 of effort. Clémence Calvin won the women's race in 1:13:32.

Arriving limping after only an hour of effort (1h01'42"), the Rwandan won the 45th edition of Marseille-Cassis on Sunday morning. After 20km, the athlete kissed his shoes on the finish line to pay tribute to the Burundian Gervais Hakizimana who died in February who had given him his pair. "I was very focused today. It's a good victory," the winner reacted emotionally to France 3.

The second in the men's race, the Moroccan Youssef Benhadi had more difficulty when it came to finishing his effort as he was taken care of by the emergency services. The Frenchman Félix Bour completed the podium in the men's race. "I lacked freshness. I did three races in a row this month, I thought it would be enough but the Gineste is not forgiving! The defeat is bitter, I came for the victory but a podium is not to be refused...", he said.

Nicolas Navarro from Aix, a member of the SCO Ste Marguerite, finished at the foot of the podium. "I've already done much better in terms of time, but I still had fun." Clémence Calvin won the women's race in 1:13:32? "I'm happy, I held up well mentally. Since Carro-Carry, I feel like I've had a click. Six years after my first participation, I've added this great international classic to my list of achievements and I'm very happy about it," said the first woman in the general standings.

As a reminder, nearly 20,000 riders took the start this Sunday morning of this 20-kilometer race, at 9 a.m., in front of the Velodrome, which will host the long-awaited Clasico this Sunday evening (8:45 p.m.).