Jermaine Zemke powers to Stage 5 victory in thrilling Tour du Rwanda sprint

The stage, which consisted of nine nine-kilometre loops around Rubavu, saw riders constantly jostling for position in what became a tense, high-speed race. In the final sprint, Zemke surged ahead to cross the finish line first in a time of 1:44:27, narrowly outpacing Israel’s Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) and Eritrea’s Mulueberhan Henok, who finished just seconds behind.

Other riders who featured prominently in the Stage 5 sprint included Even Yemane (Bike Aid), Muñoz Gabiña Hodei (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team), Pareta Sala Roger (Movistar Team Academy), Erazem Valjavec (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team), Da Silva Avancini Henrique (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling), Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | RAD-NET), and Mulgeta Yafiet (Eritrea), all finishing within a handful of seconds.

Stage 5 was a showcase of strategic riding and teamwork. German rider Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) retained the coveted yellow jersey, continuing to lead the general classification after 663 kilometres of racing across the first five stages. Meanwhile, Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) held the distinction of the longest time spent in the lead during the race so far.

Several special awards were also presented after the stage. Eritrea was recognized as the Best Team by Inyange Industries, while Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani) received the Best Rwandan Rider honor from BPR Bank. Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) claimed both the Best African Rider and Best Young African Rider awards, while Miguel Heidemann (Rembe | RAD-NET) was acknowledged as the Best Climber. Desta Teweldemedhn Amaniel (Team Amani) was named Best Young Rider of the stage by Prime Insurance, and Mauro Cuylits (Lotto-Groupe Wanty) won the sprint award.

The victory for Zemke adds to a growing momentum for Rembe | RAD-NET in this year’s Tour du Rwanda, setting up an exciting Stage 6 on Friday. The next stage will cover 84.1 kilometres from Rubavu to Musanze, beginning at 1:00 PM local time.

Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Germany’s top riders will maintain their dominance or if local and African competitors will mount a challenge in the hilly northern terrain.