Brazilian rider Bravo Ribeiro of the Soudal Quick-Step Development Team claimed victory in Stage 7 of the Tour du Rwanda on Saturday, February 28, following a thrilling race from Musanze to Nyamirambo. The demanding 147-kilometer stage, which finished in front of Kigali Pelé Stadium, featured a total elevation gain of 2,190 meters. The iconic Mur de Kigali climb once again proved decisive in determining the stage winner. Ribeiro completed the stage in 3 hours, 20 minutes, and 59 seconds, finishing nine seconds ahead of Lucas Van Gil of Lotto Group Wanty. Eritrean rider Henok Mulueberhan crossed the line in third place with the same time. Despite placing fifth on the stage, Moritz Kretschy of NSN Development Team retained the yellow jersey, maintaining his overall lead in the general classification. The race began with a 3.6-kilometer neutral start from Musanze town, after which the peloton closely monitored several early breakaway attempts. Seventeen kilometers into the race, six riders formed a breakaway and built a 20-second advantage. The group included Matthijs De Clercq and Diaz Cisneros (Soudal Quick-Step Development Team), Zeray Araya (Eritrea), Eric Manizabayo (Benediction BanAfrica Team), and Bruno Martins (Localiza). However, the peloton reeled in the breakaway after 27 kilometers during a descent. Shortly afterward, Thompson of Lotto Group Wanty launched a solo attack, gaining a 40-second lead. As the race entered Gicumbi District, rain began to fall, making conditions increasingly challenging. Nevertheless, Thompson, alongside Novak and Pareta, extended their advantage to 1 minute and 30 seconds over the peloton. The gap continued to grow, reaching 2 minutes and 30 seconds after 117 kilometers, prompting NSN Development Team and Rembe Pro Cycling Team to move to the front and organize the chase. With 10 kilometers remaining, Thompson attacked again while climbing toward Kimisagara Road from Nyabugogo, opening a 45-second gap. The decisive moment came on the Mur de Kigali, where Eritrean rider Nahom Zeray Araya briefly took the lead. However, Soudal Quick-Step Development Team executed a strong tactical move to position Ribeiro perfectly for the final effort. The Brazilian launched a powerful solo attack, thrilling the Nyamirambo crowd as he rode alone to the finish to secure victory. Rwandan riders struggled on the demanding stage. The best-placed local rider was Vainqueur Masengesho of Benediction BanAfrica Team, who finished 16th, while Team Rwanda’s Patrick Byukusenge crossed the line in 22nd place. Stage 7 results 1. Bravo Ribeiro (Soudal Quick-Step Development Team) — 3h 20’59” 2. Lucas Van Gil (Lotto Group Wanty) — +9” 3. Henok Mulueberhan (Eritrea) — +9” 4. Hodei Muñoz Gabina (Soudal Quick-Step Development Team) — +9” 5. Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) — +9”
