Stage 3 of the 2025 Tour du Rwanda unfolds on Wednesday, February 26, covering 121.3km from Musanze, the finish of Stage 2, to Rubavu. Australian star rider Brady Gilmore of Israel Premier Tech wo Sage 2 in Musanze on Tuesday edging TotalEnrgies’ Lorrenzo Manzin. The third stage route takes riders from Musanze, climbing to Byangabo and then Mukamira (34.3km). A flatter section follows from Mukamira to Kora (29 km) before a descent to Mahoko (45.6km). The riders will pass the finish line in Rubavu after 59.8km, then tackle a loop to Rambo (74.3km), leaving a final 47 km to the finish in Rubavu. Despite the fact that no Rwandan has won a stage so far, there are reasons for optimism. Didier Munyaneza (Team Rwanda) led a long breakaway in Stage 1 from Rukomo to Kayonza, covering 152 km of the 157.8km stage. His strong performance suggests he could be a contender in Stage 3, which is shorter than the previous two stages. Munyaneza will face stiff competition from riders like Fabien Doubey (Israel-Premier Tech), who currently holds the yellow jersey in the first two stages. ALSO READ: Mulubrhan wins Stage 1 as Doubey grabs yellow jersey Israel-Premier Tech has demonstrated its strength, reminiscent of their success since last year's stage from Musanze to Mount Kigali, won by Joseph Blackmore (Great Britain), who went on to win the 2024 Tour du Rwanda. With Doubey in yellow, the team is a formidable presence. Shemu Nsengiyumva (Java Inovatec) was a standout Rwandan rider in Stage 2, featuring in a breakaway before being caught by the peloton after reaching Kinigi near the finish in Musanze. But is still optimistic his team is determined to outshine rival teams and riders in Stage 3. Teams like Israel-Premier Tech are strong, but our goal remains the same, including Didier and myself, are aiming for a stage win. There's no doubt about that, Nsengiyumva said.
