The 2026 Tour du Rwanda kicked off in thrilling fashion today, as Itamar Einhorn of NSN Development Team sprinted to victory on Stage 1. Covering 173.6 km from Rukomo to Rwamagana, Einhorn crossed the line in 4:00:05, seizing the early yellow jersey and thrilling cycling fans.
The stage started aggressively, with a two-man breakaway featuring Henrique Avancini (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling Team and Miguel Heidemann (Rembe | rad-net Team pushing hard up front. Rain showers between Kayonza District, and Lake Muhazi made the roads slick, adding drama to the stage, but fans lined the route, cheering on riders despite the wet conditions.
Back in the peloton, a pair of Eritrean riders set a steady pace, while home favorite Eric Nkundabera (Team Rwanda) used his experience to maintain a strong position. Riders strategically grabbed refreshments and instructions from team cars, preparing for the crucial final kilometers.
As the race entered the final 25 km, the gap from the breakaway narrowed, and the peloton prepared for a bunch sprint. In the last 15 km, Avancini and Heidemann were still giving it everything up front, but it was the well-timed move from Itamar in the last 2km that made the difference towards Rwamagana. With power and precision, he surged ahead to take the win and secure the first yellow jersey of the race. He now leads by four seconds, heading into stage 2, a 134.6km run from Nyamata to Huye.
Muñoz Hodei 19-year-old Spaniard (Sourdal Quick Step Devo Team) finished second ahead of Girmay Mewael (Eritrean and Istanbul Continental Team). 2025 Tour du Rwanda winner Mulubrhan Henok finished fourth.
NSN delivered Eintorn to victory, after he said, ” I owe them a lot. I was a bit worried in the last 10km’s, I was relieved when we finally caught the breakaway at 1km, I followed Fin Tarling’s wheel and knew nobody would stop us,”
“The victory gives, me a lot of satisfaction. I came here very well prepared and i good shape, and I was rewarded for my decision to arrive in Rwanda early to acclimatise. Now I’m already looking forward to helping the team with our GC ambitions, and, of course, to try for more sprint victories when the opportunities come.”
Stage 2, from Nyamata to Huye, promises more hills and tactical battles. With the days course largely flat, the GC is still wide open, and fans can expect plenty of excitement as riders compete in sprint in the coming stages.
Stage 1 — Top 10 Finishers
1 Itamar Einhorn
2 Muñoz Hodei
3 Girmay Mewael
4 Mulubrhan Henok
5 van Rees Christiaan
6 Cuylits Mauro
7 Guatibonza Jonathan
10 Bomfim de Almeida Luiz Fernando
Itamar Einhorn
A breakaway featuring Henrique Swift Pro Cycling Team and Miguel Heidemann Rembe | rad-net Team pushing hard up front on Stage1
