The 20-year-old won the sprint after 82 kilometers around Rubavu.
During the stage, the riders from the REMBE® rad-net team, together with Team NSN, did most of the work at the front of the peloton, as the two teams had the top two riders in the overall classification in their ranks, Johannes Adamietz and Moritz Kretschy respectively. “Our goal was to keep Johannes in second place in the overall standings. That's why we controlled the race and rode at the front a lot. We also agreed that I would ride for the result in the sprint, which allowed me to save some energy,” explained Zemke.
“I knew that 300 meters before the finish line there was another right-left combination, where it was super important to be the first to enter.” And Zemke was the first to go through the last corner. He continued: "In the last 100 meters, I knew that it could be a really good result. I just looked down and somehow no one was able to pass me on the front wheel." The REMBE® rad-net rider sprinted to victory ahead of Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) and Henok Mulubrhan (Eritrea). “It was an incredible day with emotions I've never felt before. It's my first professional victory,” said a delighted Zemke. “I knew I was in good shape and believed in myself. I've already finished in the top ten twice here in Rwanda and knew I was one of the fastest, and I was able to prove that today. It's incredible, what emotions. I cried tears of joy. I'm just grateful that all the hard work has finally paid off.”
In the overall standings, Johannes Adamietz, who crossed the finish line in ninth place, defended his second place. He remains 2:02 minutes behind Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team). Miguel Heidemann also continues to wear the mountain jersey.
Tomorrow's stage covers 84 kilometers from Rubavu to Musanze. The stage includes two long climbs.
The REMBE® rad-net team at the Tour du Rwanda (UCI 2.1):
Johannes Adamietz, Julian Borresch, Miguel Heidemann, Ole Theiler, Jermaine Zemke
Sports management: Jörg Scherf
“I knew that 300 meters before the finish line there was another right-left combination, where it was super important to be the first to enter.” And Zemke was the first to go through the last corner. He continued: "In the last 100 meters, I knew that it could be a really good result. I just looked down and somehow no one was able to pass me on the front wheel." The REMBE® rad-net rider sprinted to victory ahead of Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) and Henok Mulubrhan (Eritrea). “It was an incredible day with emotions I've never felt before. It's my first professional victory,” said a delighted Zemke. “I knew I was in good shape and believed in myself. I've already finished in the top ten twice here in Rwanda and knew I was one of the fastest, and I was able to prove that today. It's incredible, what emotions. I cried tears of joy. I'm just grateful that all the hard work has finally paid off.”
In the overall standings, Johannes Adamietz, who crossed the finish line in ninth place, defended his second place. He remains 2:02 minutes behind Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team). Miguel Heidemann also continues to wear the mountain jersey.
Tomorrow's stage covers 84 kilometers from Rubavu to Musanze. The stage includes two long climbs.
The REMBE® rad-net team at the Tour du Rwanda (UCI 2.1):
Johannes Adamietz, Julian Borresch, Miguel Heidemann, Ole Theiler, Jermaine Zemke
Sports management: Jörg Scherf
Source: Tour du Rwanda image
