Eritrean cyclist Henok Mulubrhan has expressed pride after winning the final stage of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda, describing the victory as particularly special in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans in Kigali.
Mulubrhan clinched Stage Eight on Sunday, 1 March 2026, an 83.8-kilometre circuit that started and finished at the Kigali Convention Centre. He completed the stage in 1 hour, 59 minutes and 37 seconds after a tightly contested race through the capital.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), the 26-year-old rider said the atmosphere created by fans elevated the moment.
“I am extremely happy to have won the final stage of the 2026 Tour du Rwanda, one of the biggest races in Africa,” he wrote.
“It is a special feeling to win here on African soil, particularly in front of such an incredible crowd of passionate supporters whose energy you cannot find anywhere else.”
His triumph made him the first African rider to secure a stage victory in this year’s edition of the race, a milestone that excited cycling enthusiasts across the continent.
Mulubrhan is no stranger to success on Rwandan roads. In 2023, he won the Tour du Rwanda overall title, underlining his pedigree in one of Africa’s most competitive cycling events. Earlier in this year’s race, he had already demonstrated strong form by finishing second in Stage Two in Huye, behind Spain’s Pau Martí.
His familiarity with Rwanda’s terrain once again proved decisive, enabling him to manage the demanding course and position himself perfectly for the final push.
Reflecting on the week-long competition, Mulubrhan acknowledged that the race had been intense from start to finish but said persistence and focus carried him through.
He concluded by thanking fans who supported him throughout the competition, noting that their encouragement played a significant role in his memorable stage win.
