The 18th edition of the Tour du Rwanda since it became an international race officially kicked off on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The opening stage started in Rukomo, Gicumbi District, and finished in Rwamagana, covering 173.6 kilometers — the longest stage of this year’s competition.
The race began at 11:00 AM, with 87 riders from 17 teams setting off. The peloton first rode together for 2.1 kilometers before the official start was given.
Early in the race, five riders broke away from the main group: Da Silva (Localiza), Heidemann (Rembe), Teweldbrhan (May Stars), Nkundabera Eric (Team Rwanda), and Uwiduhaye Mike (Benediction). Uwiduhaye later attempted to attack from the breakaway group but was unable to maintain the move.
The first King of the Mountains points, contested at kilometer 32.8 in Gatsibo, were won by Heidemann, followed by Da Silva, with Uwiduhaye finishing third at that climb.
As the race progressed, Uwiduhaye and Nkundabera were dropped, while Brazil’s Henrique da Silva of Team Localiza claimed the first intermediate sprint at kilometer 72.6 in Nyagatare.
Henrique da Silva Avancini and Miguel Heidemann remained at the front for much of the race, although the peloton gradually reduced the time gap. Da Silva later won the second intermediate sprint in Kabarore at kilometer 113, ahead of Heidemann.
With 10 kilometers remaining, the peloton increased its pace and eventually caught the two leaders, setting up a dramatic sprint finish. Itamar Einhorn emerged victorious in a tightly contested finale. This marks Einhorn’s third stage win at the Tour du Rwanda, following his victories in Kayonza and Nyaruguru in 2024.
Einhorn, who now wears the yellow jersey, completed the stage in 4 hours, 5 seconds, and 2 milliseconds. He was followed by Munoz Gabina Hodei of Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, 13 milliseconds behind, while Girmay Mewael of Istanbul Team finished third, 15 milliseconds off the pace.
The highest-placed Rwandan rider was Muhoza Eric of Team Amani, who finished 86 milliseconds behind the stage winner.
The Tour du Rwanda continues tomorrow with Stage 2, which will start in Bugesera District and finish in Huye, covering a distance of 134.6 kilometers.
