Rubavu witnesses a change of leadership in the race, which now belongs to German Maurice Kretshky of NSN, while the day's victory goes deservedly to the other main protagonist in the final 30 km, Belgian Mathijs De Clerq of Soudal Quick-Step. At the fourth stage of the Tour du Rwanda, in the home territory of main sponsor Amstel, expectations were high for a Dutch rider to confirm leadership—but Jurgen Zomermaand of Picnic Post NL failed to deliver, entering the action with the main group when a two-man breakaway posed a threat. Kretshky, 23 years old, already second in the overall standings at the 2025 Tour Taiwan, as well as winner of two stages at last year's Isère Alpes, brings the leadership back to his team.

THE RACE. The 127 km along the balcony overlooking the vast lake spreads 2,551 meters of vertical climbing across five mountain prime points, the first won by... Nineteen riders attack on the initiative of Araya (Eritrea). Joining him for Rwanda are Byukusenge for Benediction and Manizabayo. For NSN, Kretshky, Marriage, and Tarling. For Soudal, Munoz and De Clerq. For Movistar, Jackson, Guatibonza, and Castro. Lotto present with Cuylits and Marivoet, the Picnic team of the leader with Bush. Then for Bike Huyet, for Rembe: Adamietz and Borresch, for Localiza Sousa, and finally for Amani Desta.

After 50 km and the withdrawal of Guatibonza and Huyet, the fourth mountain prime is won by local rider Manizabayo, courageously finding momentum alongside fellow countryman Byukusenge, a record holder for participations. At the first passage through the Rubavu finish line, the advantage strengthened from 4'30" to 6' gives Desta, the Ethiopian from Team Amani, the virtual yellow jersey. The race heads toward the mountain prime with the menacing name, Rambo, 3.3 km at 9.2 percent gradient, while the peloton certainly cannot hesitate.

Kretshky, Cuylits, and De Clerq, young riders from the development teams, have the legs and understand the golden opportunity. The German from NSN and the Belgian from Soudal Quick-Step remain in command. Behind them, the advantage shrinks, but the presence of Mathijs De Clerq and Kretshky forces everyone to watch the clock to see if the battle will be decided by seconds. So it is, with Cuylits third, truly impressive as well.

STAGE RESULTS

1. De Clerq Matthijs (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) in 03:05:55
2. Kretshky Moritz (NSN Development Team)
3. Cuylits Mauro (Lotto-Groupe Wanty) + 01:00
4. Tarling Finlay (NSN Development Team) + 02:15
5. Marriage Zac (NSN Development Team)
6. Munoz Hodei (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team)
7. Bush Jacob (Development Team Picnic PostNL)
8. Adamietz Johannes (REMBE | rad-net)
9. Marivoet Duarte (Lotto-Groupe Wanty)
10. Kudus Merhawi (Eritrea)