Spanish is the language of the third stage of the Baloise Belgium Tour, contested with start and finish in Durbuy over a distance of 173 km. Alex Aranburu (Cofidis) imposed himself in an explosive and spectacular finale, winning the head-to-head battle against British rider Lewis Askey of NSN Cycling. Completing the day's podium is fellow Spaniard Carlos Canal of Movistar, with the impressive Davide Toneatti (XDS Astana Team) closing in ninth place.

For Aranburu, this is his eleventh career victory, enriched by the conquest of the leader's jersey in the general classification.

THE RACE. The first attack of the day is launched immediately by Michiel Hillen (Baloise Verzekeringen), Gianni Marchand (Tarteletto Isorex), Stijn Appel (Beat CC Saxo), Roy Hoogendoorn (Metec Solarwatt) and Victor Hannes (Aarco).
At 80 kilometers from the finish, Hoogendoorn drops back due to mechanical issues, followed by Hillen, then it's Hannes's turn just as Rui Oliveira (UAE Emirates) breaks away from the main group and rejoins the leaders.

In the rain, the peloton regrouped, with numerous attempts following but never achieving significant advantage.

It's Van Baarle's (Soudal Quick Step) acceleration that splits the front of the group, and Philipsen, Berckmoes, Girmay, Teunissen, Hermans, Pluimers and Sergio Meris move up to him.

At the 5 km mark, Pluimers (Tudor) launches a surprise attack on his breakaway companions to seize the victory. But the group of favorites, descending onto the leaders at double speed, reshuffled the cards with Aranburu imposing his law on the final climb.

FINISHING ORDER

1. Aranburu Alex (Cofidis) in 4:07:28
2. Askey Lewis (NSN Cycling Team)
3. Canal Carlos (Movistar Team)
4. Abrahamsen Jonas (Uno-X Mobility) at 0:02
5. Kopecký Matyas (Unibet Rose Rockets)
6. Philipsen Jasper (Alpecin - Premier Tech)
7. Delettre Alexandre (TotalEnergies)
8. Jeannière Emilien (TotalEnergies)
9. Toneatti Davide (XDS Astana Team)
10. Del Grosso Tibor (Alpecin - Premier Tech)