Eritrean star Henok Mulubrhan entertained cycling enthusiasts with a powerful sprint to the finish line in Kayonza to win the first stage of the Tour du Rwanda 2025 on Monday, February 24.
The Tour du Rwanda 2023 winner completed the 157.8km ride from Rukomo to Kayonza in 3 hours, 57 minutes, and 52 seconds, overcoming tough challenge from Israel Premier Tech's Rotem Tene, TotalEnergis' Lorrenzo Manzin, Milan Menten of Lotto Dstny and Israel Premier Tech's Brady Gilmore who finished in the top 5.
Mulubrhan, 25, made history earlier by becoming the first athlete to win the African Cycling Championship three times in a row.
Frenchman Fabien Doubey took the yellow jersey from individual time trial winner Aldo Taillieu as he now leads the general classification ahead Tuesday’s Stade Two. The highest-placed Rwandan in the stage was Patrick Byukusenge of Java Innovatec, who finished 13th.
Meanwhile, Kieran Gordge (South Africa) was awarded Best Young African rider while Team Rwanda’s Didier Munyaneza made an impressive 153km breakaway, nearly completing the longest stage with an average speed of 39.80km/h.
Israel Premier Tech was the best team of the first stage.
The Tour du Rwanda 2025 continues on Tuesday, February 25th, with the second stage, a 112.8km ride from Kigali (MIC) to Musanze.
General Classification
1. Fabien Doubey (TotalEnergies): 4h01'43"
2. Milan Menten (Lotto Development Team)
3. Joris Delbove (TotalEnergies)
4. Oliver Mattheis (Bike Aid)
5. Pavel Šumpik (Devo Team Picnic)