The highly anticipated cycling race kicked off at exactly 11:00 AM in Rukomo, Gicumbi District, with 69 riders competing over a grueling 158-kilometer stretch to Kayonza. From the very start, Rwandan cyclist Munyaneza Didier set a blistering pace, pulling ahead within just the first two kilometers. By the 10-kilometer mark, he had already established a lead of 1 minute and 40 seconds over the chasing pack.
As the race progressed, three other riders managed to break away from the main group to chase Munyaneza. These included fellow Rwandan Uwiduhaye Mike, South African Matthews, and Zegklis from the May Stars team. The quartet maintained their lead as they traversed through Nyagatare District, including areas such as Kabarore and Rwagitima.
However, at the 114-kilometer mark near Kiziguro, Matthews from South Africa was dropped by his breakaway companions, leaving Munyaneza, Uwiduhaye, and Zegklis in control of the race. The three riders continued their aggressive push towards Kayonza, battling both exhaustion and tactical maneuvers from the peloton.
In the final 15 kilometers, Munyaneza once again attempted a solo breakaway, but his effort was ultimately neutralized as the peloton caught up. As the riders entered the city of Kayonza in a tight group, Eritrean cyclist Henok Muluburhan executed a well-timed attack, surging ahead to cross the finish line first and claim the stage victory.
Meanwhile, Doubey from the French team TotalEnergies emerged as the new overall leader, securing the coveted yellow jersey as the general classification leader.
The race, marked by intense competition and strategic breakaways, thrilled spectators and reinforced the growing prominence of African cycling on the international stage.
