De Clercq wins Stage 4 as Kretschy takes yellow in Tour du Rwanda

Riding for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, the 20-year-old showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team, capping off one of the most exciting stages of this year’s race.

Rambo climb proves decisive

The pivotal moment came on the Rambo climb at kilometre 111, a three-kilometre ascent positioned within the final 15 kilometres of the stage. De Clercq surged to take maximum mountain points ahead of Kretschy and Mauro Cuylits, tightening the battle at the front.

With 20 kilometres remaining, De Clercq, Kretschy and Cuylits held a slender 20-second advantage over their nearest rivals, while the peloton trailed by five minutes and 30 seconds. Attacks soon began within the leading trio as each rider sensed an opportunity to break clear.

By the final 10 kilometres, De Clercq and Kretschy had distanced Cuylits by 50 seconds, with the chasing group sitting 1 minute and 40 seconds behind. The two leaders worked together before launching into a head-to-head sprint that saw the Belgian narrowly prevail on the line.

Kretschy takes the yellow jersey

Despite finishing second on the stage, Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey. Thanks to the time bonuses and the gap to the previous leader, Zomermaand, Kretschy successfully reclaimed the yellow for the NSN Development Team.

The 23-year-old German becomes the fourth rider to wear yellow in four days, highlighting not only his strong performance today but also the strategic depth of his team.

Stage 4 top 10 results

1. Matthijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – 3:05:55
2. Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 3:05:55
3. Luke Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
4. Zachary Marriage (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
5. Hodei Muñoz Gabiña (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +2:15
6. Jacob Bush (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +2:15
7. Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – +2:15
8. Duarte Marivoet Scholiers (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +2:15
9. Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) – +2:15
10. Sebastian Castro Castro (Movistar Team Academy) – +2:

Stage 5 awaits

The Tour du Rwanda continues on Thursday, February 26, with Stage 5 set for an 82-kilometre circuit in Rubavu. Riders will tackle a nine-kilometre loop nine times, starting at 3:00 PM, promising another tactical showdown as Kretschy defends the yellow jersey and De Clercq looks to build on his breakthrough victory.

After four stages, the race for overall glory remains wide open, and Rubavu has already delivered a thriller.