Development Kamiel Eeman secures fifth place in the third stage of the Tour du Rwanda

The 121-kilometer stage between Musanze and Rubavu followed a controlled race for Lotto Cycling Team, until the two steep climbs in the final section separated the contenders from the rest. "On the last climb, the pace was upped significantly, partly by Milan Donie, who was really strong," Kamiel explains. "I managed to stay with them and crossed the top with the leaders. After that, I focused on positioning myself as well as I could for the sprint."

Despite his good positioning, the sprint was hectic. The fast descent towards the finish line increased the speed dramatically. "We entered the final kilometer at full speed, followed by a right-left chicane. It was impossible to pass anyone after that. In the end, I finished fifth."

Milan Donie (19) finished tenth.

Picture: Brecht Steenhouwer