Stage 3 of the Renewi Tour covers 182 km from Celles to the iconic summit finish in Geraardsbergen, a punchy Belgian hill that rewards explosive climbers and Classics specialists alike. The 2.UWT classification ensures a high-quality field, and the hilly profile throughout the stage will whittle down the bunch well before the final ascent. This finish historically favors riders with strong Hills stats and the ability to punch above their weight in a reduced group.
★★★★
Topfavoriet
Laurence Pithie is in the form of his life, averaging 13.8 across 16 hilly races with 4 wins and 9 podiums. His Red Bull - BORA team has the resources to control the race, and his explosive finishing kick on punchy climbs is perfectly tailored to Geraardsbergen.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Laurence Pithie leads all hilly-profile riders with an average finish of 13.8 over 16 races, claiming 4 wins and 9 podiums in that span. His Hills rating of 73 and exceptional recent form make him the clear favorite for this Geraardsbergen hill finish.
★★★
Sterke Kanshebbers
Thibaud Gruel and Tiesj Benoot represent contrasting profiles at this tier. Gruel brings proven recent hilly-race results including a win, while Benoot's Hills rating of 78 is the highest in the field and his Classics pedigree makes him dangerous whenever the road tilts up in Belgium.
Groupama-FDJ
Groupama-FDJ
Thibaud Gruel averages 18.6 in hilly races with a stage win in recent form, showing he can deliver on this type of finish. His Hills stat of 74 backs up his results data as a genuine podium contender.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Tiesj Benoot tops the startlist with a Hills rating of 78 and brings strong Classics pedigree perfectly suited to a Geraardsbergen finale. Though his recent hilly-race average sits at 37.0, his raw ability on punchy finishes is undeniable at this level.
★★
Buitenbeentjes
Paul Lapeira, Quinten Hermans, and Igor Arrieta all carry Hills ratings of 75-76 and have shown they can compete in similar finishes. Lapeira has a best of 5th in similar races, Arrieta has two podiums including a 2nd, and Hermans has the raw punch to feature if the finish suits a hard, fast attack.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Igor Arrieta combines a Hills rating of 75 with two podiums and a best finish of 2nd in 14 similar-profile races, making him a credible threat. His UAE Emirates support and confirmed start make him a value pick among the dark horses.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Paul Lapeira posts a Hills stat of 76 and has averaged 23.3 across 9 similar-profile races with a best of 5th, showing consistent competitiveness. His Decathlon CMA CGM team adds further firepower to support or launch him on the climb to Geraardsbergen.
Pinarello-Q36.5
Pinarello-Q36.5
Quinten Hermans carries a Hills rating of 76 and 12 recent hilly-race appearances, giving him plenty of experience at this type of finish. He has yet to crack the top 10 recently but his raw profile fits this stage perfectly.
★
Om in de Gaten te Houden
Alberto Bettiol, Jenno Berckmoes, Corbin Strong, and Magnus Sheffield round out the selections as riders capable of a surprise result. Each has at least one win or podium in hilly races and a Hills stat of 75 or better, giving them the profile to feature if the race plays into their hands.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Alberto Bettiol's Hills rating of 76 and one win in 14 hilly races show he can fire on the right day. However, his average position of 47.4 in similar races tempers expectations.
NSN Cycling
NSN Cycling
Corbin Strong holds a Hills stat of 75 and has claimed a win and a podium in 9 similar-profile races, averaging 44.8. He is an intriguing outsider who can produce on the right day.
Lotto Intermarché
Lotto Intermarché
Jenno Berckmoes has a Hills rating of 75, two podiums in 10 hilly-profile races, and strong Belgian classics instincts that suit Geraardsbergen. He is one to watch as a potential surprise on home roads.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Magnus Sheffield's Hills rating of 75 is complemented by a strong TT score of 77, suggesting he can sustain power on a climb-to-finish stage. His best of 5th in 10 hilly races marks him as a potential top-10 dark horse.
Verdict
Laurence Pithie stands out as the clear favorite given his dominant recent form — 4 wins and 9 podiums in 16 hilly-profile races — while Tiesj Benoot and Thibaud Gruel are the most dangerous challengers on the climb to Geraardsbergen.