Under heavy rain, 28-year-old Israeli rider Itamar Einhorn, racing for the Swiss-based NSN Development Team, powered to victory in the opening stage of Tour du Rwanda, edging out his rivals in a thrilling sprint finish.
The 18th international edition of the race — and the eighth to be classified as a UCI 2.1 event — officially got underway this Sunday, February 22, 2026. Over the next eight days, the peloton will crisscross Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes in one of Africa’s most exciting cycling spectacles.
A total of 84 riders from 17 teams rolled off the start line. The field features strong African representation with 45 riders, alongside 28 Europeans, nine Americans, and two riders representing Asia and Oceania.
The opening 173.6-kilometer stage stretched from Rukomo in Gicumbi District to Rwamagana. The course featured numerous descents, long flat sections, and two classified climbs that tested the riders early on.
Official timing began at 11:04 a.m., after a 2.1-kilometer neutral rollout.
As the race entered its final two kilometers, the peloton dramatically raised the pace, narrowing the gap to just 15 seconds behind two breakaway riders who had been leading.
In the decisive final sprint, Einhorn unleashed his power, surging ahead of the main bunch to seize victory. He also claimed a 10-second time bonus after winning the third intermediate sprint of the day. The second-place finisher earned six bonus seconds, while the third-place rider took four.
This marks Einhorn’s third career stage victory at the Tour du Rwanda, following his triumphs in Kayonza and Nyaruguru in 2024.
The best-placed Rwandan rider was Muhoza Eric of Team Amani, who finished 11th.
With his stage victory, Einhorn dons the coveted yellow jersey as the race leader heading into Stage 2.
General Classification After Stage 1
- Itamar Einhorn (NSN Devo Team) – 4:00:05
- Hodei Gabina Munoz (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team)
- Mewael Girmay (Istanbul Team)
- Henok Mulubrhan (Eritrea)
- Christian Van Rees (Devo Team Picnic PostNL)
TdRwanda2026, Stage 1 (Rukomo-Rwamagana: 173,6 Km):
PODIUM:
1-Stage Winner: Eihorn Itamar (NSN)
2-Yellow Jersey: Eihorn Itamar (NSN)
3-Best Sprinter: Eihorn Itamar (NSN)
4-Best Young Rider: Hodei Munoz (Soudal)
5-Best Climber: Miguel Heidemann (Rembe Rad-Net)
6-Best African Young Rider: Girmay Maweal (Istanbul)
7-Best African: Girmay Mewael (Istanbul)
8-Best Rwandan: Mike Uwiduhaye (Benediction Banafrica Cycling Team)
9-Best in Breakaway: Yoel Habteab (Bike Aid)
10-Best Team: Bike Aid
The race continues on Monday, February 23, with Stage 2 set to run from Nyamata to Huye over 135 kilometers.
