Dutch rider Jurgen Zomermaand powered to a solo victory at Rusizi town’s popularmarket–Kwa Karinda–after a grueling ride from Huye to win Stage Three of the Tour du Rwanda on Tuesday. The 145-kilometre stage featured a demanding elevation gain of 3,107 metres, transitioning from relatively moderate terrain into punishing climbs that tested endurance and tactical discipline. Riding for Development Team Picnic PostNL, Zomermaand clocked 3 hours, 44 minutes and 53.62 seconds, finishing 20.36 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Van Gils Lucas of Lotto–Groupe Wanty. His teammate Matteo Vanhuffel completed the podium, crossing the line 20.50 seconds behind the winner. “It was a super day with all of my teammates, especially Matteo, who helped me a lot to reach this point,” said the 20-year-old. The race ignited early, with a breakaway forming after 15 kilometres. Five riders—Mewael Girmay (Istanbul), Eric Muhoza (Amani), Vidal Victor (Bike Aid) and Etienne Tuyizere (Rwanda)— launched an attack, building a lead of 1 minute and 40 seconds over the peloton. As the riders navigated the demanding roads of Nyungwe National Park, Lotto–Groupe Wanty raised the tempo at the front, steadily reducing the gap. Zomermaand launched his decisive attack with seven kilometres remaining, breaking clear and maintaining his advantage all the way to the finish at Kwa Karinda in Rusizi. The victory sees him take over the yellow jersey from Spain’s Pau Soriano Martí, who finished 12th on the stage. Among the home riders, Samuel Niyonkuru of Team Amani delivered a strong performance, finishing 10th, 43.81 seconds behind the stage winner Stage 3 Results 1. Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – 3h 44’53.62” 2. Van Gils Lucas (Lotto–Groupe Wanty) – +20.36” 3. Matteo Vanhuffel (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +20.50” 4. Ribeiro Bravo (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +22.70” 5. Cisneros Diaz De Leon (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +28.22”
