After an electrifying Stage Seven sprint show in Nyamirambo, the final stage of the Tour du Rwanda promises to deliver yet another spectacle as the race returns to Nyabugogo for the second time this year — a rare treat for cycling fans in Kigali. Stage Eight will roll off from the Kigali Convention Center (KCC) roundabout and cover 83.8 kilometers on a technical, spectator-friendly circuit across the capital. The race is scheduled to start at 12pm. ALSO READ: Ribeiro wins Stage 7 in Nyamirambo, Kretschy keeps yellow jersey From KCC, the peloton will head toward Gishushu, pass MTN headquarters in Nyarutarama, Kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Kigali Golf Course, SOS, and MINAGRI, before continuing through KBC and SOPETRADE en route to the Kigali City roundabout. The riders will then descend through Muhima to Nyabugogo, offering fans in the area a second chance to witness the action — an uncommon highlight in the Tour’s history. From Nyabugogo, the peloton will climb back via Kimisagara, continue to Tapis Rouge, and pass through Nyamirambo via Biryogo and Gitega before returning once again to the Kigali City roundabout. The circuit will be repeated before the race concludes with a grand finish back at KCC. Riders to watch Although the overall title is yet to be sealed, Moritz Kretschy of NSN Development Team remains the strongest favorite for the yellow jersey. The 23-year-old German has held the overall lead for four consecutive stages and heads into the finale with a comfortable cushion. ALSO READ: Tour du Rwanda’s ambitious WorldTour bid demands more than vision Johannes Adamietz of Rembe Rad-Net sits second in the general classification, trailing Kretschy by 2 minutes and 2 seconds. However, the time gap between the two has remained unchanged over the past two stages, making a late turnaround increasingly unlikely. Belgian rider Duarte Marivoet of Lotto Groupe Wanty has also positioned himself as a serious podium contender, climbing from fourth to third overall thanks to his consistency. Meanwhile, Team Amani’s Amaniel Desta and Development Team Picnic PostNL’s Jurgen Zomermaand remain mathematically in contention for a podium finish, though both face significant time deficits heading into what promises to be an exciting final showdown in Kigali. General classification after Stage 7 Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 21h 04’ 08” Johannes Adamietz (Rembe Rad-Net) – 2’02” Duarte Marivoet (Lotto Groupe Wanty) – 2’32” Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) – 3’13” Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – 4’13”
