German cyclist Moritz Kretschy of NSN Development Team was all smiles as he crossed the finish line at the Kigali Convention Centre, sealing overall victory at the Tour du Rwanda. The 23-year-old did not win a single stage throughout the eight-day race, including Sunday’s eighth and final stage claimed by Eritrean ace Henok Mulubrhan who completed the 83.8-kilometre circuit in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 37 seconds, finishing ahead of Mauro Cuylits of Lotto Group Wanty in second place, while Kretschy’s teammate Pau Soriano Marti took third. The decisive stage was contested on the same circuit that hosted the UCI Road World Championships in September 2025. Despite finishing 25th on the final stage, Kretschy successfully defended his yellow jersey, having built a commanding advantage in the general classification earlier in the race. He took control of the race after Stage Four and maintained his lead through consistent, disciplined performances. Throughout the tour, Kretschy demonstrated tactical maturity, carefully managing each stage to protect his advantage and ultimately secure the 2026 Tour du Rwanda title. He claimed 997.8km race in 23hours 08 minutes and 48 seconds. Johannes Adamietz of Rembe Rad-Net was his closest rival to the yellow jersey but he finished the race trailing two minutes and eight seconds. Speaking after his triumph, the German rider described the race as physically demanding. “The race was tough, hot, high humidity, and amazing crowd,” Kretschy said. He also credited his teammates for playing a decisive role in helping him win the title during his third participation in the prestigious race. The final stage featured multiple attacks from riders eager to secure stage honours. Brazil’s Bruno Martins of Localiza claimed the first intermediate sprint after 17 kilometres. As the race progressed through Nyabugogo and climbed towards Kimisagara, Martins and Aman Awet of Istanbul Team launched a breakaway, opening a 20-second gap over the peloton after 37.4 kilometres. The duo extended their advantage to 35 seconds as they crossed the line for the penultimate lap, with 35 kilometres remaining. However, their effort was eventually neutralised after 61 kilometres, as the peloton reeled them in. NSN Development Team then moved to the front to control the pace and protect Kretschy’s yellow jersey. Meanwhile, Samuel Niyonkuru of Team Amani emerged as the best-ranked Rwandan rider, finishing 16th overall in the general classification. General classification results 1. Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 23h 08’48” 2. Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – 2’08” 3. Duarte Marivoet (Lotto Groupe Wanty) – 2’32” 4. Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) – 3’13” 5. Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – 4’13”
