Belgian rider De Clercq Matthijs, competing for the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, claimed victory in stage four of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda, covering 127.2 kilometers from Karongi to Rubavu.
The race continued on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in western Rwanda, passing through the districts of Karongi, Rutsiro, and Rubavu. This marked the third time a stage from Karongi to Rubavu has featured in the Tour du Rwanda, previously raced in 2018 and 2024.
Riders began with a 1.9-kilometer neutral zone from central Karongi before entering competitive sections near Bupfune, where official timing began.
Dutch cyclist Zomermaand Jurgen of Development Team Picnic Postnl retained the yellow jersey, awarded to the overall race leader, after completing the stage in 10 hours, 55 minutes, and 6 seconds. Rwandan rider Niyonkuru Samuel of Team Amani finished just 44 seconds behind.
In the first five kilometers, a breakaway group of 19 riders began positioning themselves for sprint points, including Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus, Rwanda’s Byukusenge Patrick, Manizabayo Eric of Benediction Banafrica Team, and other NSN Development Team riders.
The first sprint, at Rubengera after 14.3 kilometers, was claimed by Borresch Julian (Rembe | Rad-Net), Tarling Luke Finlay (NSN Development Team), and Marriage Zachary (NSN Development Team).
By the 40-kilometer mark, a leading group of 17 riders, including Rwanda team captain Byukusenge Patrick—had established a two-minute 30-second gap over the main peloton. Around kilometer 50, two Rwandan riders, Manizabayo Eric, nicknamed “Karadiyo,” and Byukusenge Patrick, broke away from the group, building a 15-second advantage while the peloton trailed 3 minutes 30 seconds behind.
The leaders were soon caught by pursuing riders, forming a group of 16, but Manizabayo broke away again, leaving the others 10 seconds behind. At the 100-kilometer mark, German riders Kretschy and Cuylits joined De Clercq in a breakaway from the leading 16, gaining a 20-second advantage with 20 kilometers remaining, while the chasing peloton was 5 minutes 30 seconds behind.
Entering the final 10 kilometers, Kretschy Moritz and De Clercq Matthijs led the race, with Cuylits Mauro (Lotto Groupe Wanty) trailing by 50 seconds and the third group 1 minute 40 seconds behind.
In a thrilling finale over the last three kilometers, De Clercq Matthijs surged ahead to cross the line first, taking the stage win and donning the yellow jersey awarded to stage winners in the 18th edition of the Tour du Rwanda.
This marks the third time the 20-year-old Belgian has participated in the Tour du Rwanda, further cementing his growing presence in the race.
