Belgium’s rising star Mathijs De Clercq, just 20 years old and racing for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, claimed victory on Stage Four of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda after clocking 3 hours, 5 minutes and 55 seconds.
The fourth stage, raced on Wednesday, February 25, took riders from Karongi to Rubavu over a demanding 127.2 km route. A total of 76 cyclists lined up at the start, notably without Rwanda’s Nsengiyumva Shemu of Team Rwanda, who was sidelined by illness.
After a short 1.7 km neutral rollout serving as a warm-up, official timing began at Bupfune — and from there, the race exploded into action.
The course featured four major climbs: Gisaze (km 20), Rutsiro (km 30.6), Nyundo (km 47) and the decisive Rambo ascent at km 111.
Rutsiro proved especially punishing with nearly nine kilometers of climbing, while Nyundo (6.3 km) and Rambo (5 km) further tested the peloton’s resilience.
German rider Julian Borresch of Team Rembe | Rad-Net dominated the first two climbs. Rwanda’s Manizabayo Eric “Karadiyo” (Benediction Banafrica) claimed the third, before De Clercq asserted himself on the final Rambo climb.
With just 10 kilometers remaining, De Clercq and Germany’s Moritz Kretschy of NSN Development Team launched a decisive move, building a 1 minute 40 second gap over the chasing group.
The Belgian proved strongest in the final sprint at Rubavu market, edging out Kretschy to seal a memorable stage win.
Kretschy crossed the line with the same time, while Britain’s Luke Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team) finished third, 2 minutes and 15 seconds back.
Rwanda’s best finisher was Patrick Byukusenge in 12th place, 2 minutes and 21 seconds behind the winner.
Despite finishing second on the stage, 23-year-old German Moritz Kretschy emerged as the new overall leader, reclaiming the coveted yellow jersey. He now leads the general classification in 14:02:34.
He is followed by Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) at +2:02 and Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) at +2:18. Rwanda’s top rider overall is Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani), currently 17th at +4:59.
Kretschy becomes the fourth rider to wear the yellow jersey in as many days — a testament to the fierce competition in this year’s race.
Stage 4 Award Winners
- Stage Winner: Mathijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team)
- Yellow Jersey: Moritz Kretschy (NSN)
- Best Sprinter: Miguel Heidemann (Rembe-Rad Net)
- Best Young Rider: Amaniel Desta (Team Amani)
- Best Climber: Miguel Heidemann (Rembe Rad-Net)
- Best African Young Rider: Amaniel Desta (Team Amani)
- Best African Rider: Amaniel Desta (Team Amani)
- Best Rwandan Rider: Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani)
- Best in Breakaway: Manizabayo Eric Karadio (Benediction Banafrica)
- Best Team: NSN
Overall Top 5 After Stage 4
- Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 14:02:34
- Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – +2:02
- Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) – +2:18
- Duarte Marivoet Scholiers (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +2:32
- Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +4:07
The race continues on Thursday, February 26, with Stage Five — an 82 km circuit around Rubavu District, where the battle for yellow promises yet another twist.
