Tour du Rwanda 2026: Itamar Einhorn wins stage one in Rwamagana
Israeli rider Itamar Einhorn became the first cyclist to wear the yellow jersey at Tour du Rwanda 2026 after winning the opening stage in Rwamagana on Sunday.
A total of 84 riders representing 17 teams lined up at the start in Rukomo, Gicumbi District, for the longest stage of the race, covering 174 kilometres to the finish line in Rwamagana, Eastern Province.
Einhorn, racing for the NSN Development Team — recently rebranded from Israel–Premier Tech Academy — claimed victory in 4 hours and 5 seconds. He edged out Hodei Muñoz of Soudal Quick-Step Development Team, who finished second, while Mewael Girmay of the Istanbul Team completed the podium in third place.
With a relatively flat profile, the stage favoured sprinters. An early breakaway formed just five kilometres into the race but had little impact on the final outcome, as the peloton regrouped before the finish.
All 70 riders who completed the stage were credited with the same time, meaning there were no gaps in the general classification after Stage One.
Among the Rwandan contingent, Eric Muhoza of Team Amani impressed with an 11th-place finish. He was the third African rider across the line, behind Girmay and Eritrea’s Henok Mulubrhan.
The first stage was overshadowed by tragedy of the sudden death of two spectators who were hit by a caravan vehicle after it veered off the road in Gabiro, Gatsibo District. Six others were injured in the incident and are receiving medical attention as Police open investigation.
Stage one results
Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) – 4h 00’05”
Hodei Muñoz (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team)
Mewael Girmay (Istanbul Team)
Henok Mulubrhan (Eritrea National Team)
Christiaan Rees Van (Development Team Picnic PostNL)
