Tuesday, February 24

Stage 3: Huye – Rusizi (145 km)

Benediction BanAfrica Team rider Mike Uwiduhaye has set his sights on the King of the Mountains (Best Climber) jersey as Tour du Rwanda 2026 heads into its toughest terrain yet in Stage Three.

The 145-km stage, which stretches from Huye to Rusizi with a punishing elevation gain of 3,107 metres, marks a shift from the sprint-friendly opening stages to a climbers’ battleground.

ALSO READ: BPR Bank awards Uwiduhaye for best Rwandan rider

Uwiduhaye enters the mountainous leg with confidence after stepping onto the podium in both previous stages to receive the Best Rwandan Rider jersey, sponsored by BPR Bank, the race’s main financial partner.

Although he is yet to claim a stage win, the 24-year-old insists his ambitions remain firmly intact.

"I was not surprised to return to the podium to represent my country,” Uwiduhaye said after Stage Two. "Although we have not yet achieved our goal of winning a stage, my focus now shifts to this next stage. I believe I am among the best climbers, and I want to prove that.”

Currently sitting 10th in the general classification — despite slipping three places after Stage Two — Uwiduhaye remains the top-ranked Rwandan rider in the race.

He is also familiar with the Huye–Rusizi route. In 2025, he tackled the same stretch in reverse, racing from Rusizi to Huye while representing Team Rwanda in Stage Six, finishing 6 minutes and 31 seconds behind stage winner Duarte Marivoet.

Armed with experience and renewed confidence, Uwiduhaye will be hoping the sustained climbs and high-altitude terrain play to his strengths as he chases mountain points — and possibly a breakthrough stage victory.