{"id":120612,"date":"2026-02-25T16:11:31","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T16:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/lake-kivu-scenic-finish-awaits-stage-four-in-rubavu"},"modified":"2026-02-25T16:40:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T16:40:47","slug":"lake-kivu-scenic-finish-awaits-stage-four-in-rubavu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sport\/lake-kivu-scenic-finish-awaits-stage-four-in-rubavu","title":{"rendered":"Lake Kivu Scenic Finish Awaits Stage Four in Rubavu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The breathtaking shores of Lake Kivu in Rwanda\u2019s Western Province provide the backdrop for Stage Four of the Tour du Rwanda 2026, as the peloton rides toward a scenic but punishing finish in Rubavu on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Riders roll out from Karongi for a demanding 127-kilometre stage featuring a gruelling 2,586 metres of elevation gain\u2014arguably the second toughest test of this year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n

After dramatic shifts in the general classification during Stage Three, where a solo rider combined tactical climbing and a decisive sprint to seal victory in Rusizi, fans are bracing for another thrilling showdown on the road to Rubavu.<\/p>\n

Stage Three underscored the growing impact of bold individual attacks and smart race management. With its unforgiving profile, Stage Four could further reward riders willing to take risks.<\/p>\n

Screenshot<\/p>\n

The stage begins with an immediate ascent from Karongi, climbing toward Rubengera over a punishing 14.3-kilometre uphill stretch before continuing through Gisiza and Rutsiro.<\/p>\n

The terrain intensifies between Nyundo and the Pfunda Tea Factory area, by which point riders will have covered 65.2 kilometres without any meaningful flat sections to recover.<\/p>\n

From there, the peloton descends toward Rambo before the final push into Rubavu, where the stunning Lake Kivu shoreline will frame the end of an exhausting day in the saddle.<\/p>\n

Riders to watch<\/p>\n

Stage Three winner and current yellow jersey holder Jurgen Zomermaand has firmly established himself as a major contender heading into Stage Four.<\/p>\n

Riding for Team Picnic PostNL Development Team, Zomermaand and his squad were relatively subdued in the opening two stages but made a strong statement in Stage Three\u2014claiming victory and placing another rider third. Their resurgence suggests sharp form and tactical depth, qualities that could prove decisive on another demanding route.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Eritrea national cycling team remains a serious threat. Although star rider Henok Mulubrhan did not crack the top 10 in Stage Two, teammate Yafiet Mulugeta stepped up to keep Eritrea in contention.<\/p>\n

Renowned for their climbing prowess, the Eritrean riders could once again shape the outcome on Rubavu\u2019s hilly terrain as the battle for yellow intensifies along the shores of Lake Kivu.<\/p>\n\r\n