Belgian rider Mathijs De Clercq of Soudal Quick-Step Development Team claimed victory in Stage Four of the Tour du Rwanda 2026, crossing the finish line first in Rubavu District on Wednesday.
The 127.2-kilometre stage, which started in Karongi, featured a punishing hilly route with a total elevation gain of 2,586 metres—comparable in difficulty to Stage Three.
The 20-year-old clocked 3 hours, 5 minutes and 55 seconds to secure the win after outsprinting Moritz Kretschy of the NSN Development Team at the finish line in Rubavu. Luke Tarling, also riding for the NSN Development Team, finished third, two minutes and 15 seconds behind the stage winner.
"Yesterday, our team was way behind the leaders, but today we made a strong comeback together, and I’m really happy for that,” De Clercq told Times Sport.
The stage began at a blistering pace from the start in Karongi. After 18 kilometres, a group of 19 riders broke away from the peloton, carving out a lead of one minute and 20 seconds.
In the final 20 kilometres, Kretschy, Cuylits and De Clercq emerged as the strongest riders, attacking from the leading group as they approached Rubavu for the first circuit.
De Clercq ultimately surged ahead in the closing metres, delighting cycling fans who lined the streets of Rubavu town against the scenic backdrop of Lake Kivu.
Patrick Byukusenge of Team Rwanda finished 12th, two minutes and 21 seconds behind the winner. The experienced rider is competing in his 14th Tour du Rwanda—the most appearances by any cyclist in the race’s history.
Meanwhile, NSN Development Team reclaimed the yellow jersey which this time round went to Kretschy who finished second in Stage Four. He took it over from Jurgen Zumermaand who crossed the finish line in Rubavu ranked 25th.
Stage four results
- Mathijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Development Team) – 3h 05’55”
- Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team)
- Luke Tarling (NSN Development Team) +2’15”
- Zachary Mariage (NSN Development Team) +2’15”
- Gabin Hodei Munoz (Soudal Quick-Step Development Team) +2’15”