The 2nd stage of the Tour du Rwanda arrived Tuesday in Musanze District, the nerve centre of Rwandan cycling, home to the historic training centre that shaped the modern era of the sport in the country. It was no surprise, then, that Eric Manizabayo and Patrick Byukusenge launched an attack as they passed through the centre’s gate, with just over ten kilometres remaining.
They were following the example of their teammate Shemu Nsengiyumya, who had spent 95 kilometres in a breakaway alongside Germany’s Vinzent Dorn (Bike Aid) earlier in the stage.
The two Rwandan riders from the Java-Inovotec team held on for four kilometres before being reeled in by the peloton, which was charging at full speed toward the finish. A sprint finish was still on the cards for this 2nd stage, following Henok Mulueberhan’s victory on Monday in Kayonza.
Israel-Premier Tech had planned to set up Itamar Einhorn, a two-time stage winner in 2024, but it was his young Australian teammate, Brady Gilmore, who proved the fastest. He edged out Einhorn (2nd) and Frenchman Lorrenzo Manzin of Team Total Energies. Meanwhile, Fabien Doubey retained the yellow jersey ahead of Wednesday’s 3rd stage from Musanze to Rubavu.
