Thursday, February 26 Stage 5: Rubavu Criterium (82km) After two punishing hilly stages, Tour du Rwanda 2026 changes tempo with an 82-kilometre circuit race in Rubavu for Stage Five—the first time the Western Province hosts a circuit stage in this year’s edition. Thursday’s race, dubbed the Rubavu Criterium, gets underway at 3pm and promises an afternoon spectacle along the scenic lakeside roads of Lake Kivu. ALSO READ: De Clercq claims Stage Four in Rubavu as Kretschy takes yellow jersey A race hard to predict This year’s Tour du Rwanda has proven remarkably unpredictable. No rider has managed to win back-to-back stages or hold the yellow jersey for more than a single day. One consistent force, however, has been the NSN Development Team, owned by Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta and his business partner Joel Borrás. The Israeli outfit has already produced two different stage winners, underlining both depth and tactical precision. Unlike the grueling mountain stages, Stage Five features a relatively modest elevation gain of 888 metres. While less physically demanding, circuit races often spark aggressive tactics, breakaways and high-speed sprints, making outcomes difficult to forecast. ALSO READ: Where to catch Amstel's Tour du Rwanda after-parties Before the official start, local cyclists, visiting fans and retired cycling legends will participate in a community mass ride covering 15 to 20 kilometres around Rubavu’s lakeside roads and neighbourhoods—an initiative designed to bring residents closer to the race atmosphere. Riders to watch Picking a clear favourite remains challenging. The competitive field and daily tactical shifts have reshaped expectations. Even established names like Eritrean star Henok Mulubrhan have not consistently dominated proceedings. Focus once again turns to NSN Development Team. Based on early performances, Itamar Einhorn and Pau Martí Soriano remain strong podium contenders and could mount another stage-winning challenge. Another rider to monitor is Hodei Muñoz Gabina of Soudal Quick-Step Development Team. After a fifth-place finish in Stage Three and consistent top-ten performances, he has emerged as a potential threat—particularly on a circuit stage that may favour punchy riders and powerful sprinters. With a shorter distance, lighter climbing profile and a festive lakeside setting, Stage Five in Rubavu promises fast racing and yet another unpredictable finish in this year’s captivating Tour du Rwanda. General classification Distance covered so far: 581km 1. Moritz Kretchy (NSN Development Team) 14h 02’ 34” 2. Johannes Adamie (Rembe/Rad -Net) +2’02” 3. Amaniel Desta ( Team Amani) + 2’18” 4. Duarte Marivoet ( Lotto Groupe Wanty) +2’32” 5. Jurgen Zomermaand ( Development Team Picnic PostNL) + 4’07” 17. Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani) +4’59”
