The Tour du Rwanda is set to return for its 18th edition, with a renewed focus on competitive racing and fan experience. The UCI 2.1-rated event will take place from February 22 to March 1, featuring eight stages that cover a total distance of 993 kilometers with a cumulative elevation gain of 16,608 meters.
This year’s edition will see the race return to Kigali’s Pele Stadium, which will host the finish line of Stage 7, starting in Musanze District. The 147-kilometer stage, last used in 2019, will be the second-longest on the circuit, with an elevation gain of 2,190 meters. According to Tour du Rwanda coordinator Hubert Nkuriyija, the decision to bring the race back to Nyamirambo aims to boost fan experience, creating an energetic atmosphere similar to that of the Mur de Kigali.
The race will feature 18 teams, including three Rwandan continental sides: Team Amani, Benediction Cycling Club, and May Star. Three continental teams will make their Tour du Rwanda debut, namely Madar Cycling Team from Algeria, Belgium’s Rembe-Rad-Net, and Swift Pro Cycling, the first Brazilian team to compete in the event. Additionally, six World Tour development teams will participate, including newcomers Movistar of Spain and NSN from Switzerland, as well as UAE Team Emirates Gen Z, Soudal Quick-Step, Team Picnic PostNL, and Lotto-Intermarché.
The Tour du Rwanda 2026 itinerary includes eight stages, starting with Stage 1 from Rukomo to Rwamagana, covering 174 kilometers with an elevation gain of 2,128 meters. The subsequent stages will take place in various locations across Rwanda, culminating in Stage 8, which will start and finish in Kigali, covering 99 kilometers with an elevation gain of 2,092 meters.
With its expanded reach and renewed focus on fan experience, the 18th edition of the Tour du Rwanda promises to be an exciting event, attracting cycling enthusiasts from around the world. The race’s return to Kigali’s Pele Stadium and its inclusion of new teams are expected to enhance the overall experience, making it a significant event in the international cycling calendar.
