The stage was raced this Monday, February 23, covering 134.6 kilometers from Nyamata in Bugesera District to Huye. Riders officially began timing near the Bugesera District offices as they headed toward Bugesera Stadium before continuing the long route south.

This marked the seventh time since 2015 that the race has passed through Nyamata, and the fourth occasion the town has hosted a stage start since the competition gained international status in 2009.

The first King of the Mountains points, contested at Nyamiyaga (km 83.9), were taken by Germany’s Miguel Heidemann of Rembe Rad-Net, while the second climb at Gasoro (km 96.3) was won by Martins Paul.

The victory gives NSN Development Team back-to-back stage wins following teammate Itamar Einhorn’s triumph in Sunday’s opening stage from Rukomo to Rwamagana.

Best-placed Rwandan rider Shemu Nsengiyumva of Team Rwanda finished 20th, trailing the stage winner by 1 minute and 39 seconds.

Martí’s performance also earned him the overall leader’s yellow jersey, which he takes from Einhorn thanks to a 10-second time bonus gained in the finishing sprint in Huye. Einhorn did not finish among the top 40 riders and was already 11 seconds behind Martí on general classification times.

The race continues Tuesday, February 24, with Stage 3, where cyclists will depart Huye at 11:00 a.m. for a 145.3-kilometer route ending in Rusizi.