Stage 2 was raced on Monday, February 23, 2026, marking the second day of the 18th edition of the Tour du Rwanda since it gained international status. The stage started in Nyamata, Bugesera District, and finished in Huye District, covering a total distance of 134.6 kilometers.
After the neutral start, riders covered one kilometer before official racing began. Eight minutes into the race, several riders attempted to break away but were quickly reeled back in by the peloton. At kilometer 5, three riders successfully broke clear: Heidemann (Rembe), Martins (Localiza), and Erasmus (Tshenol).
Rwandan rider Uwiduhaye Mike of Benediction attempted to bridge the gap to the leading trio but was soon caught again by the main group. As the race progressed, the three leaders steadily extended their advantage, at one point opening a gap of 2 minutes and 50 seconds over the peloton.
Heidemann won the first intermediate sprint at Ruhuha (kilometer 53.4), followed by Erasmus and Martins. However, as the kilometers ticked down, the peloton gradually began to reduce the time gap.
Heidemann also claimed the first King of the Mountains points at Nyamiyaga (kilometer 83.9), ahead of Martins and Erasmus. Martins later won the second mountain points at Gasoro, followed by Heidemann and Erasmus. Meanwhile, Heidemann secured another intermediate sprint victory in Nyanza, again ahead of Erasmus and Martins.
With 25 kilometers remaining, the gap between the breakaway trio and the peloton had shrunk to 1 minute and 30 seconds. As the race entered the final kilometers, the peloton increased the pace and eventually caught the three escapees.
In the final sprint, 21-year-old Pau Martí Soriano of NSN Development Team powered to victory, stopping the clock at 3:10:10.30.
He was followed by Eritrea’s Henok Mulueberhan, just two milliseconds behind, while Mauro Cuylits of Lotto-Groupe Wanty finished third, 13 milliseconds off the winner’s time.
The highest-placed Rwandan rider was Nsengiyumva Shemu of Team Rwanda, who finished 20th, 1 minute and 39 seconds behind the stage winner.
The 2026 Tour du Rwanda continues on Tuesday with Stage 3, which will run from Huye to Rusizi over a distance of 145.3 kilometers.
Spanish rider Pau Martí Soriano, racing for NSN Development Team, claimed victory in Stage 2 of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda
