The Tour du Rwanda has become something of a home race for us, as we prepare to take on Africa’s most important professional race for the eighth time.
This year, we will roll to the start line on Sunday in Rukomo for the opening stage under our new name and colors — but with the same clear objective: to fight for stage victories and the overall classification.
“It’s far from being overconfident or cocky,” said NSN Development Team sports director Lahav Davidzon. “It’s about the ambition and the standards we set for ourselves — and the squad we’ve chosen to pursue this challenge.”
As always, the Tour du Rwanda presents a demanding test across eight up-and-down stages through the spectacular Land of a Thousand Hills. This time, however, there is a twist: slightly less selective terrain that could open opportunities for sprint finishes on up to four stages.
The five-man NSN squad is built to tackle both the sprints and the climbs, spearheaded by two riders stepping down from the NSN WorldTeam.
Itamar Einhorn, who dominated the Tour du Rwanda sprints in 2024, will once again lead the charge in the fast finishes. Determined to start his season at full gas, he arrived in Rwanda several days early to better acclimatize to the heat and altitude.
“It guarantees nothing, but it can definitely help sharpen me after months away from racing,” explained the Israeli sprinter, who is looking for a strong start to set the tone for the rest of the season. “I take every race as an opportunity I need to seize with everything I have. If I deliver results, that opens doors to bigger races.”
For the general classification challenge, Spanish climber Pau Martí will lead the team, just days after a podium finish at the Figueira Champions Classic in Portugal. Despite his young age, he earned his step up to the pro level after two promising seasons with the development squad.
“Pau is arriving in great shape and will be our leader — but it’s not a one-man show,” stressed Davidzon. “He will have strong support around him.”
That support includes German rider Moritz Kretschy and emerging Australian climbing talent Zac Marriage.
Beyond racing, Rwanda holds a special place in the team’s history. Over the years, a deep connection has developed with the country and its people, culminating in the creation of the Field of Dreams bike center in Bugesera — a hub that has introduced thousands of young riders to cycling and ignited a new generation’s passion for the sport.
“This really is our home away from home,” summed up Einhorn.
NSN Development Team at the Tour du Rwanda (Sunday 22 February – Sunday 1 March)
Riders: Itamar Einhorn (ISR), Moritz Kretschy (GER), Zac Marriage (AUS), Pau Marti (ESP), Fin Tarling (GBR)
Sports Directors: Guy Sagiv (ISR), Lahav Davidzon (ISR)