The breathtaking shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda’s Western Province provide the backdrop for Stage Four of the Tour du Rwanda 2026, as the peloton rides toward a scenic but punishing finish in Rubavu on Wednesday. Riders roll out from Karongi for a demanding 127-kilometre stage featuring a gruelling 2,586 metres of elevation gain—arguably the second toughest test of this year’s race. ALSO READ: Zomermaand takes yellow jersey after Stage 3 victory in Rusizi After dramatic shifts in the general classification during Stage Three, where a solo rider combined tactical climbing and a decisive sprint to seal victory in Rusizi, fans are bracing for another thrilling showdown on the road to Rubavu. Stage Three underscored the growing impact of bold individual attacks and smart race management. With its unforgiving profile, Stage Four could further reward riders willing to take risks. The stage begins with an immediate ascent from Karongi, climbing toward Rubengera over a punishing 14.3-kilometre uphill stretch before continuing through Gisiza and Rutsiro. The terrain intensifies between Nyundo and the Pfunda Tea Factory area, by which point riders will have covered 65.2 kilometres without any meaningful flat sections to recover. From there, the peloton descends toward Rambo before the final push into Rubavu, where the stunning Lake Kivu shoreline will frame the end of an exhausting day in the saddle. Riders to watch Stage Three winner and current yellow jersey holder Jurgen Zomermaand has firmly established himself as a major contender heading into Stage Four. Riding for Team Picnic PostNL Development Team, Zomermaand and his squad were relatively subdued in the opening two stages but made a strong statement in Stage Three—claiming victory and placing another rider third. Their resurgence suggests sharp form and tactical depth, qualities that could prove decisive on another demanding route. Meanwhile, the Eritrea national cycling team remains a serious threat. Although star rider Henok Mulubrhan did not crack the top 10 in Stage Two, teammate Yafiet Mulugeta stepped up to keep Eritrea in contention. Renowned for their climbing prowess, the Eritrean riders could once again shape the outcome on Rubavu’s hilly terrain as the battle for yellow intensifies along the shores of Lake Kivu.
