On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the race continued with the seventh stage, which started in Musanze and finished at Kigali Pele Stadium in Kigali, passing through Gicumbi. The stage covered a total distance of 147.2 kilometers.
By this stage, 67 riders remained in the competition out of the 84 who started the race, as several had withdrawn for various reasons. As customary, the riders first completed 3.1 neutralized kilometers before the official racing began.
The peloton started together, although a few riders attempted breakaways, only to be reeled back in by the main group. Bruno Martins of Localiza Cycling Team claimed the Buranga climb points at kilometer 19.
Later, Reuben Thompson of Lotto–Groupe Wanty launched an attack and took the lead. At kilometer 30, he was joined by Novak and Parrera from Movistar Team Development.
Thompson went on to win the intermediate sprint at kilometer 40 and also collected mountain points at Tetero and Gicumbi, the latter at kilometer 83.
The three breakaway riders built a lead of up to two minutes over the peloton. However, in the final 30 kilometers, the gap gradually narrowed.
Upon reaching Nyabugogo, Thompson attempted to go solo, leaving his breakaway companions behind. However, the peloton caught him near Kwa Mutwe, setting up a dramatic finish.
The 19-year-old Bravo Ribeiro ultimately won Stage Seven, completing the race in 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 59 seconds.
He was followed by Van Gils Lucas of Lotto–Groupe Wanty and Mulueberhan Henok of Eritrea, both finishing nine seconds behind the winner.
The best-placed Rwandan rider was Masengesho Vainqueur of Benediction Banafrica Team, who finished 16th, 30 seconds behind Ribeiro.
Meanwhile, Kretschy Moritz of NSN Development Team retained the yellow jersey as the overall race leader. The highest-ranked Rwandan in the general classification is Niyonkuru Samuel of Team Amani, currently sitting in 17th place, trailing the leader by 5 minutes and 51 seconds.
Brazilian cyclist Bravo Ribeiro, riding for Soudal Quick-Step Development Team, claimed victory in Stage Seven of Tour du Rwanda 2026
