http://www.zuraeritrea.com/2016/04/21/eritreans-sweep-stage-3/
April 21, 2016
Eritreans Sweep Stage 3
Billion Temesghen
(Asmara) – Unlike the previous stages, today’s race had numerous climbs. The route of Stage 3 of the Tour of Eritrea covered 93 km from Keren to Asmara.
Trainers and managers of the Eritrean teams, in interviews before the race said, that they had to ‘reclaim the lead for the Eritrean teams.’ The Eritrean teams have been falling short in team classifications with the Rwandan National Team being the front runner in the Tour. The Eritrean teams’ familiarity with high altitude climbing is hoped to be an advantage.
Today’s Stage started in Keren and seemed to start with the same lack of intensity of yesterday’s race – until – Halibmentel.
At 19.3 km from the start line riders climbed a mountain sprint. Yonas Fissehaye (Tsinat) won this sprint. After the climb riders gained new energy, resulting in a break away for a leading group.
At the outskirts of Baluwa, Tesfom Okbamariam (Eritrean National Team) attacked and left the peloton. With his attack riders Amanuel Tsegay (Eritrean National Team), Hanibal Tesfay (Salina), and riders of the Rwandan National Team whom aimed to overtake Tesfom Okbamariam.
Shortly after, an unexpected speedy attack from Kibrom Mahari (Tsinat) divided the group in to two. Chasers began to follow him: and 00:00:18 seconds away the peloton kept extending. The chasers caught up with Kibrom forming a new leading group.
Another climb awaited the riders at Dgdg; by then, riders had covered a total of 47 km. Hanibal Tesfay (Salina), Kibrom Mehari (Tsinat), Adhanom Zemichael (Tsinat) and Michael Habtom (Salina), received points for the Dgdg climb with ease.
The peloton divided again with Rwandan chasers leaving the peloton. Hanibal Tesfay (Salina) and Kibrom Mehari (Tsinat) were chased by the Rwandan National Team, Tsinaat and Salina – until Eugenio Bani (Amore Vita) raced his way past the peloton all the way to the lead.
The last climb of the race was at Adi Kolom, with an elevation of 2380 m. Hanibal Tesfay (Salina) received the points for the climb.
After the last climb, Salina and Tsinat started sprinting away from the peloton. Riders from Eritrean teams had total control over the head of the race.
With Hanibal Tesfay (Salina) leading the pack and counter attacks by 9 Eritrean riders, the Stage’s finish was nearly completly swept by the Eritrean National Team, Salina, and Tsinat.
Trainers and team mangers of Eritrean teams got their wish, as the finish line was topped with nine Eritrean riders. Limiting Eritreans riders complete sweep of the top 10, Eugenio Bani (Amore Vita) raced into the hearts of fans.
*The third stage begins on 21 April 2016. The Stage participants depart from Keren, after being transported from Stage 2 terminus, Agordat, and arrives in Asmara. This stage covers 93 km.
Stage Route & Profile
http://www.zuraeritrea.com/stage-3/
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2016 » Tour Eritrea (2.2)
Stage 3 » Keren › Asmara (93k)
Date: 21st April 2016
Avg. speed winner: 36.403 km/u
Race category: Men Elite
Start/finish: Keren › Asmara
Locations
Keren
Asmara
Parcours type:Mount.
http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/Tour_Eritrea_2016_Stage_3
Received on Thu Apr 21 2016 - 14:17:00 EDT