Henrique Ribeiro wrote his name into Tour du Rwanda history on Saturday, becoming the first Brazilian to win a stage of the race after a bold and perfectly timed attack in Nyamirambo.
The 19-year-old climber from Soudal, Quick Step Development Team sealed both a landmark victory for Brazil and his first professional win since joining the Belgian setup in 2025. And he did it in style, on the unforgiving slopes of the Kigali Wall.
But the road to that moment was anything but straightforward.
Aggressive Racing from the Start
The stage began with a 3.6-kilometre neutral rollout through Musanze before the flag officially dropped and the attacks began. The peloton was alert from the outset, shutting down several early moves before a breakaway finally gained traction 17 kilometres into the race.
Six riders edged clear: Matthijs De Clercq and Diaz Cisneros of Soudal–Quick Step Development, Zeray Araya (Eritrea), Eric Manizabayo (Benediction BanAfrica), and Bruno Martins (Localiza). They carved out a slim 20-second lead, testing the peloton’s resolve.
Their advantage evaporated on a descent after 27 kilometres, swallowed up by a tightly controlled bunch.
Soon after, Thompson of Lotto–Group Wanty tried his luck with a solo move, opening a 40-second gap. As the race rolled into Gicumbi District, rain began to fall, turning an already selective stage into a battle of nerve as much as strength.
Thompson later linked up with Novak and Pareta, and together the trio built momentum. Their lead stretched to 1 minute 30 seconds, then ballooned to 2 minutes 30 seconds after 117 kilometres. That was the cue for NSN Development Team and Rembe Pro Cycling Team to move forward and organise a structured chase.
Rwandan Riders Struggle on Demanding Terrain
The stage proved particularly tough for the local riders. On terrain that rewarded endurance and climbing punch, the Rwandan contingent found it difficult to stay in the mix.
The best-placed home rider was NIYONKURU Samuel of Team Amani, finishing 17th at 5 minutes 51 seconds. MUGISHA Moise of Benediction BanAfrica followed in 25th at 7 minutes 8 seconds, with teammate MASENGESHO Vainqueur 26th, 9 minutes 28 seconds behind.
The Decisive Moment
All of it set the stage for the finale.
Ribeiro, who represented Brazil in the U23 road race last September and knew the Kigali Wall well, bided his time. As the peloton tackled the iconic climb, recently showcased during the UCI World Championships, the young Brazilian stayed patient.
Rebeiro wins first stage in Tour du Rwanda
Then, just after cresting the Wall, he made his move.
With two kilometres remaining along the long ascending avenue near Amahoro National Stadium, Ribeiro attacked decisively. The timing was flawless. His rivals hesitated for a split second, and that was enough.
Behind him, the chase fractured. One by one, the contenders failed to close the gap. A small group including yellow jersey holder Moritz Kretschy.
The race leader stays untouchable. Kretschy continues to command the Tour in yellow.
Eritrea’s Henok Mulubrhan crossed the line nine seconds later, but Ribeiro was already celebrating.
He stopped the clock at 3 hours, 20 minutes and 59 seconds, a historic result and a breakthrough performance that signals the emergence of a serious young talent.
A stunning finish and a well-earned victory seal the day for Ribeiro Henrique.
Tomorrow’s final stage incorporates part of the World Championship circuit. Kretschy of NSN Development holds a comfortable lead in the general classification, 2 minutes 8 seconds ahead of fellow German Johannes Adamietz (Rembe–Rad Net) and 2 minutes 32 seconds clear of Belgium’s Duarte Marivouet (Lotto–Group Wanty).
But whatever happens next, Stage 7 defined by rain, relentless attacks and a fearless late surge, will be remembered for Ribeiro’s composure and courage.
At 19, he didn’t just win a stage. He made history.
Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team — Team Classification (Stage 7)
