The third stage was raced on Tuesday, with riders setting off from Huye, passing through Nyungwe, and finishing in Rusizi.
As customary, the peloton covered the first kilometer in a neutralized start before the official racing began. Shortly after the flag-off, several riders attempted breakaways but were quickly reeled back in by the main group.
At kilometer seven, Shafik Mugalu (Amani), Sousa (Localiza), Manizabayo Eric Karadiyo (Benediction), Zemke (Rembe), and Eyob Metkel (Istanbul) launched an attack and moved ahead of the peloton. However, their lead was short-lived as they were soon caught.
At kilometer 18, Girmay (Istanbul), Muhoza Eric (Amani), Vidal (Bike Aid), Theiler (Rembe), and Tuyizere Etienne (Rwanda) broke away and began to build a gap over the main group.
Mewael Girmay of Istanbul Team claimed the first King of the Mountains (KOM) points at Nyamagabe (km 25), followed by Vidal and Theiler. The Eritrean rider also secured the first intermediate sprint in Kigeme (km 32), ahead of Theiler and Muhoza Eric.
The time gap between the five breakaway riders and the peloton gradually narrowed until they were eventually caught.
Miguel Heidmann later won the third KOM points at Gashwati Hill and also took the second intermediate sprint at Kitabi (km 51).
At kilometer 55, Reuben Thompson of Lotto–Groupe Wanty attacked solo. He went on to claim the fourth KOM points in Nyungwe National Park (km 59.8) and the fifth KOM points at Pindura Hill (km 69), also within the park.
Thompson extended his lead to nearly one minute over the peloton. However, after experiencing a mechanical issue and changing his bike, his advantage was reduced. Despite the setback, he continued to push and rebuilt a significant gap.
Nahom Araya of Eritrea also attempted a solo move from the peloton, but eventually all breakaway riders were caught.
In the final 10 kilometers, Jurgen Zomermaand launched a decisive solo attack. He maintained his lead to the finish line in Rusizi, securing victory in Stage Three and taking over the yellow jersey as the overall race leader.
He finished 20 seconds ahead of Lucas Van Gils (Lotto–Groupe Wanty) and Matteo Vanhuffell (Development Picnic PostNL). The best-placed Rwandan rider was Samuel Niyonkuru of Team Amani, who finished 44 seconds behind the stage winner.
In the general classification, Niyonkuru is the top Rwandan in 11th place, also trailing overall leader Jurgen Zomermaand by 44 seconds.
