Development Cuylits third after tough day in Tour de Rwanda

Stage 4 was marked as one of the most challenging days of the race, featuring relentless climbing and aggressive racing from the outset. An early breakaway group of around fifteen riders animated the stage, immediately setting a fierce tempo in the peloton. For the team, the situation quickly turned promising as Duarte (Marivoet) made it into the front group — a move that played perfectly into the squad’s tactical plans for the general classification.

After making the solo bridge to the breakaway, Cuylits committed himself to supporting his teammate’s general classification ambitions. The team rode smartly and cohesively, positioning themselves for the decisive finale. “It really wasn’t my day at all. Today was a very tough stage. At the beginning of the race, a group of about fifteen riders broke away. Duarte (Marivoet) was there for our team, which worked to our advantage. Eventually, I bridged across to them on my own, and we decided to ride in support of Duarte (Marivoet), with a view to the general classification”, Cuylits reacted decisively.

As the race entered its final kilometers, the intensity increased once again. Cuylits aimed to deliver Duarte in the best possible position before the final climb, but the race exploded once more. “In the final kilometers of the race, I wanted to position Duarte as well as possible, but three of us ended up breaking away. On the last climb, I couldn’t follow the other two riders anymore, so I had to ride the final kilometers alone. I’m very happy with today’s result, even though it was a very tough day.”

Despite reaching his limits on the final ascent, Cuylits refused to give in. Riding solo to the finish after such an exhausting stage, he secured a hard-earned third place — a result that speaks volumes about his perseverance.

Photo: PhotoNews