Back to Rwanda, back to IPT’s home away from home!

Few races hold a place in our hearts quite like the Tour of Rwanda.

It’s not just about the success we’ve found on the roads of this breathtaking country over the years – it’s about the unbreakable bond between us and the people of Rwanda. That connection is embodied in the Field of Dreams cycling center, which we proudly built to support and inspire the next generation of Rwandan cyclists.

For the 2025 edition, we’re returning with a clear mission: to match last year’s incredible performance, when Joe Blackmore stormed to overall victory and our Israeli power man Itamar Einhorn delivered two thrilling sprint wins.

Einhorn is hungry for more success. He knows the challenge ahead: thousands of meters of climbing each day just for a chance to sprint. But if the opportunities arise, Stages 1, 2, and 4 could be his moments to shine.

Pressure? For Einhorn, it’s nothing new. He embraces it as fuel for motivation. He says: “The expectations from the team and myself to perform well in Rwanda will definitely bring significant pressure. But I know myself well — when the race starts, I become fully focused on the task at hand. It’s not just about me; the entire team must be ready to take the initiative. Our rivals will challenge us to the max, and we need to rise to the occasion.”

Leading IPT’s GC charge are young talents Moritz Kretschy (Germany) and Brady Gilmore (Australia). Kretschy has taken a big step forward in the past year, while the punchy Gilmore has climbing capabilities — an essential trait in Rwanda’s mountainous terrain. With over 15,000 meters of elevation across seven road stages, the GC battle will likely unfold in Stages 5, 6, and the finale, while the earlier stages will be up for grabs by sprinters and punchers.

“I’m very excited to be back in Rwanda,” says Kretschy. “Last year was such a great experience, so I’m really looking forward to race there again. My personal goal for this year is to finish at least top 5 but actually top 3 in GC and finishing at least one stage on the podium.

“We are coming with a pretty strong team, so there is every day a realistic chance to win the race. Hopefully we can achieve as much victory as possible. We were very successful last year, so for sure we will try to perform at least as last year.

“Being a leader in 2025 is a completely new role for me at this team, but I hope with my experience from last year and my current good shape, I can live up to expectations.”

Sports director Lahav Davidzon believes this squad has the firepower to fight for every stage and contend for the GC, adding: “We have the riders to stay in contention on every stage. Rotem Tene will be crucial in supporting both Itamar and our GC contenders, while Einhorn’s experience will be invaluable in guiding the younger riders throughout the race.”

The 2025 Tour of Rwanda kicks off this Sunday (February 23) with a short 4km prologue in Kigali, before an intense week of racing, culminating back in the country’s capital.

IPT at the Tour du Rwanda (Sunday February 23 – Sunday March 2)

Riders: Itamar Einhorn (Israel), Rotem Tene (Israel), Moritz Kretschy (Germany), Brady Gilmore (Australia), Samuel Coleman (Ireland)

Sports Directors: Rubén Plaza (Spain), Lahav Davidzon (Israel)