# Commemoration of cyclist Miguel Masaisai > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/commemoration-of-cyclist-miguel-masaisai > Updated: 2026-10-23T09:43:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Following the death of 23-year-old cyclist Miguel Masaisai on September 18, 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has held official ceremonies to honor his contributions to the nation. Masaisai, known for his ‘Pedals for Peace’ initiative which aimed to promote solidarity for victims of violence in eastern DRC, died following a traffic accident while traveling toward Rabat, Morocco. The Congolese government, through the Ministry of Sports and Leisure and the Congolese Cycling Federation (FECOCY), organized a national tribute including a wake at Tata Raphaël stadium and ceremonies at Cinquantenaire Hospital. During the services, Minister Didier Budimbu represented President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, describing Masaisai as a ‘peace ambassador’ who used non-violent means to raise awareness of regional violence. In the wake of the funeral, the Nande community has proposed that the government officially designate Goma, in North Kivu, as the national capital of cycling as a tribute to his legacy. While Masaisai used long-distance cycling to advocate for national unity, the city of Goma continues to face security challenges from the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) armed movement. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Goma proposed as DRC cycling capital following Miguel Masaïsaï funeral The Nande community is urging the DRC government to name Goma the national cycling capital to honor the late Miguel Masaïsaï, a cyclist who used his journeys to advocate for peace in eastern Congo. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goma-proposed-as-drc-cycling-capital-following-miguel-masasa-funeral ### 2026-10-21: Democratic Republic of the Congo to hold official funeral for cyclist Miguel Masaisai The DRC will host official funeral ceremonies and a posthumous decoration for cyclist Miguel Masaisai, honoring his 'Pedals for Peace' mission to support victims of violence in eastern Congo. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/democratic-republic-of-the-congo-to-hold-official-funeral-for-cyclist-miguel-masaisai --- Cite as: Commemoration of cyclist Miguel Masaisai. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/commemoration-of-cyclist-miguel-masaisai