on Stage NYAMATA- HUYE, February 23, 2026 , Spain’s Marti Soriano Pau delivered a powerful statement on Monday, winning Stage 2 of the Tour du Rwanda after a punishing 134.6-kilometer ride from Bugesera District to Huye District, and seizing the coveted yellow jersey in the process.
The 21-year-old rider from NSN Development Team crossed the finish line in three hours, 10 minutes and 10 seconds, edging out Eritrea’s Muleberhan Henock by the narrowest of margins. The difference came down to split seconds and positioning in the final meters an explosive sprint that electrified spectators lining the streets of Huye.
Under a bright southern sun, the peloton rolled out of Bugesera in the morning with high tension already in the air. The route, though scenic, proved unforgiving. Long flat stretches encouraged breakaways, but the gradual climbs approaching Huye demanded discipline, tactical awareness, and endurance.
By midday, roadside crowds had thickened. Farmers paused their work. Students in uniforms waved flags. Motorcycle taxis slowed to watch the world-class riders flash by. The atmosphere blended celebration with intensity as Rwanda’s flagship cycling event continued to draw continental attention.
Soriano remained composed throughout the race. Protected by teammates early on, he conserved energy while rival squads attempted to stretch the peloton. As the race entered its final 20 kilometers, attacks began flying from multiple directions.
Henock, known for his aggressive riding style, launched a decisive move that briefly fractured the lead group. For several kilometers, it appeared the Eritrean rider might hold on. But Soriano tracked him carefully.
“I knew the finish would be very fast,” Soriano said after the stage, breathing heavily but smiling. “My team did an incredible job keeping me safe all day. In the final kilometer, I trusted my legs.”
The finish in Huye was dramatic. The two riders surged forward almost wheel-to-wheel. Spectators screamed as the pair lunged for the line. Officials later confirmed Soriano had won by just fractions of a second—barely two tire widths separating first and second place.
Henock, who clocked the same overall time but lost on fine margins, acknowledged the intensity of the duel. “It was very close,” he said. “These are the moments that define cycling. Today he was stronger in the last meters.”
Behind them, the main group arrived in tight formation, evidence of how tactical the day had been. For Rwanda, local fans searched eagerly for their home heroes.
The first Rwandan to cross the line was Nsengiyumva Shemusa, finishing 20th with virtually the same time as the leaders but separated by sprint dynamics. Other notable Rwandan riders close to the front included Byukusenge Patrick, Mugisha Moise, and Manizabayo Eric, all battling fiercely within the main pack.
Though none reached the podium, their resilience drew cheers from the home crowd.
On the roadside in Huye, 62-year-old Jean-Marie Mukarugira had been waiting since morning. “We are proud of our riders,” he said, wearing a faded cycling cap. “Even if they don’t win today, they fight. That gives hope to young people.”
For Soriano, the victory carries greater significance beyond a single stage win. By claiming Stage 2, he also secured the yellow jersey, positioning himself as the overall race leader early in the competition.
Wearing the leader’s jersey in Rwanda carries symbolic weight. The Tour du Rwanda has evolved into one of Africa’s most respected cycling events, attracting international development teams and showcasing emerging talent. The race is widely viewed as a gateway to higher-tier global competitions.
Soriano understands the responsibility.
“The yellow jersey means consistency,” he said. “It’s not only about one day. It’s about defending it tomorrow and the next stage. Rwanda is not an easy race.”
Indeed, the terrain ahead remains unpredictable. With mountainous stages looming, climbers and endurance specialists will likely test Soriano’s strength in the coming days. However, his performance from Bugesera to Huye suggests a rider capable of both strategy and explosive power.
The NSN Development Team’s support proved crucial. Riders rotated at the front to neutralize breakaways, shielding their leader from crosswinds and conserving his energy for the decisive sprint.
A team staff member described the win as a collective effort. “We studied the route carefully. The plan was to control the rhythm and avoid chaos. In the final kilometer, Marti did what champions do.”
Meanwhile, Rwanda’s best-performing rider of the day was Uwiduhaye Mike of Benediction Banafrica Team, who earned recognition as the top Rwandan rider. His consistent form continues to highlight the growing depth of local cycling talent.
For many young spectators, seeing Rwandan cyclists compete shoulder-to-shoulder with European and Eritrean professionals serves as inspiration.
At the finish zone, 14-year-old Aimable Uwimana held a homemade cardboard sign reading “Future Champion.” He had cycled 12 kilometers from his village to watch the race.
“One day I want to race like them,” he said shyly. “When they pass, you feel the speed in your chest.”
The Tour du Rwanda’s ability to blend elite competition with community passion is part of what makes it unique. Unlike many races confined to closed circuits, this event travels through towns and villages, bringing world-class sport directly to the people.
Local businesses also benefit. Vendors selling water, fruit, and souvenirs reported brisk activity throughout the day as crowds gathered along the route.
Security and race officials maintained strict coordination to ensure smooth movement, particularly in urban areas. The finish in Huye was orderly despite the large turnout, with medical teams and race marshals stationed at key points.
As evening settled over Huye, cyclists cooled down near team buses while fans lingered for autographs and photos. The yellow jersey gleamed under fading sunlight a symbol of momentum and ambition.
Soriano, still draped in the bright leader’s colors, reflected on what lies ahead.
“This race is beautiful but demanding,” he said. “The roads, the people, the energy you feel everything. I will give my best to honor this jersey.”
With multiple stages remaining and varied terrain ahead, the competition is far from decided. Eritrean contenders remain close. Rwandan riders are pushing hard on home soil. Tactical battles are expected to intensify as teams calculate risks and opportunities.
For now, however, Stage 2 belongs to Marti Soriano Pau a young Spaniard who mastered the balance between patience and power on a demanding Bugesera–Huye route.
As the Tour du Rwanda continues, fans across the country will be watching closely to see whether he can defend his lead or whether new challengers will rise from the hills that define Rwanda’s cycling landscape.
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