The 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda, a UCI 2.1 category race for the sixth consecutive year since its upgrade in 2019, kicks off with a prologue at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, February 23. This year’s edition not only brings fresh talent and new teams but also adds to the legacy of one of Africa’s premier cycling races. With remarkable milestones in individual achievements, national dominance, and historical firsts, Times Sport explores standout records shaping the Tour du Rwanda. Individual record breakers Tour du Rwanda has witnessed remarkable achievements over the years, with Rwanda’s Patrick Byukusenge joining Jean-Bosco Nsengimana as the record-holder for the most participations at 12 years. In terms of stage victories, Jhonatan Restrepo of Colombia leads with seven wins. Among the most experienced riders in the 2025 edition, Eritrea’s Metkel Eyob stands out with 11 participations, followed by Eric Manizabayo (8), and Moïse Mugisha and Didier Munyaneza (7 each). The race has also seen young talents make history, with Samuel Mugisha becoming the youngest overall winner at 20 years and 8 months in 2018, while Merhawi Kudus claimed a stage win at just 18 years and 10 months in 2012. Speed records have also been set, with the fastest average speed recorded in a full edition standing at 40.46 km/h in 2024, and the fastest road race stage reaching 49.57 km/h during the Kigali-Kigali stage in 2012. Additionally, 30 riders have used the Tour du Rwanda as a stepping stone to World Tour teams, showcasing its significance as a talent incubator. The 2025 edition also features five riders with Grand Tour experience, including Fabien Doubey, who has competed in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and Henok Mulubrhan, who has two Giro d’Italia appearances. ALSO READ: A precursor to the UCI World Road Championship Country-based records Eritrea holds the record for the most stage wins in Tour du Rwanda history, with 26 victories, followed by hosts Rwanda with 20, France with 12, and South Africa and Colombia with 10 each, while Morocco also features among the top-performing nations. In the overall classification, Eritrea and Rwanda lead with five titles each, while South Africa has claimed two, and Morocco, Spain, the USA, and Great Britain have each secured one victory. The 2025 edition sees strong national representation, with Rwanda leading the way with 14 riders, followed by Eritrea (9), Ethiopia (8), and France and Belgium (6 each). Historically, Rwanda has dominated participation, with 240 riders since 2009, ahead of France (105), Eritrea (102), South Africa (81), and Ethiopia (68). ALSO READ: Louvet names final roster for Tour du Rwanda 2025 This year, the peloton consists of riders from 20 different nationalities, with Greece making its debut in the race. Additionally, three new teams—Development Team Picnic-PostNL (Netherlands), Team Amani (Rwanda), and the Angola National Team—are joining the competition for the first time. Meanwhile, Rwanda, France, and South Africa have maintained consistent representation in every edition of the race since 2019, highlighting their deep-rooted presence in the event. Notable Riders in the 2025 Edition The 2025 Tour du Rwanda will see the return of former champion Henok Mulubrhan, who claimed the overall title in 2023. Among the notable riders making a comeback are former stage winners Metkel Eyob, Moïse Mugisha, and Itamar Einhorn, each aiming to add to their past successes. This year’s edition also features several national champions, including Rwanda’s Vainqueur Masengesho (road race) and Moïse Mugisha ( individual time trial), South Africa’s Daniyal Matthews (road race), Uganda’s Lawrence Lorot (road race), and Angola’s Igor Silva (road race) and Antonio Dario (time trial). Their presence adds another layer of competition, as they look to showcase their national pride on the international stage. ALSO READ: MINISPORTS hands over 12 new bikes to Team Rwanda The growing legacy of the Tour du Rwanda Since going international in 2009, the Tour du Rwanda has become a proving ground for African and global cycling talent. With 792 different riders having competed over the years, it remains one of the most diverse and competitive cycling races on the continent. In 2025, 33 riders will make their debut, marking a renewal rate of 48 percent, a testament to the race’s continuous evolution. Additionally, approximately 900 personnel are accredited for the event, highlighting its growing significance.
