The 2026 edition of the Tour of Rwanda is gearing up to kick off from February 22 to March 1, and it marks the 18th edition of this prestigious cycling event. The race will begin in Rukomo and take participants through stunning landscapes, concluding in the capital city of Kigali, which recently hosted the World Road Championships in September. This year's Tour promises to attract attention with a series of exciting innovations aimed at enhancing the overall experience for both riders and spectators.

Among the most notable changes for 2026, the Rubavu district will host the tour for three consecutive days. This includes an unprecedented urban circuit stage that covers 82 kilometers with a significant elevation increase of 888 meters. Participants will arrive in Rubavu for the fourth stage, where they will tackle a challenging urban circuit. Following this, they will continue the race to Musanze in a standard format before returning to Kigali for the final stage.

The dual urban circuit format, with one stage in Rubavu and another during the finale in Kigali, underscores a significant shift in the race's structure, targeting not just competitive cyclists but also engaging local communities and showcasing urban environments. This edition will not only celebrate cycling but also reinforce the importance of research and development in sustainable tourism and sporting events across Rwanda, adding a layer of depth to the sporting narrative of the region.