Sibiu Cycling Tour: Schachmann wins stage 3 as puncture costs Van Eetvelt overall lead
Matteo Badilatti becomes new race leader in Paltinis
Maximilian Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) won stage 3 at the Sibiu Cycling Tour, crossing the line alone after breaking away from the field on the road into Păltiniș.
Schachmann crested the top of the 10km climb to the finish line with 18 seconds in hand, as runner-up Jakub Otruba (ATT Investments) led in the eight-rider chase behind ahead of third-placed Filippo Fiorelli (Green Project-Bardiani).
Stage 3 was a 202km race from Brezoi to Păltiniș that included four categorised climbs and a final 10km ascent to the finish line. A group of 25 riders broke away early in the stage but were reeled in on the final ascent. Schachmann made his winning move with 7km to the top to take the victory in Păltiniș.
“Yesterday I was disappointed. I simply didn’t have the legs to follow in the end and I don’t know why. But today I felt a lot better. Florian [Lipowitz] and I attacked several times on the final climb and I could see the others were suffering. I made a move right before a flatter part and could push a good pace. When I had a gap, I was able to hold my rhythm and made it to the line. I am really happy! After such a long time it is great to be at the top of a podium again," Schachmann said.
The previous day's stage winner Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Dstny) went into the third day of racing in the overall race lead with 28 seconds over runner-up Matteo Badilatti (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team).
However, an untimely flat tyre cost Van Eetvelt his leading position in the general classification after he punctured in the closing kilometres of the stage into Păltiniș.
"Incredible bad luck for Lennert Van Eetvelt, he had a puncture in the last 2km and lost the Yellow Jersey!" his team confirmed in a post on social media following the race.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The Sibiu Cycling Tour continues on Sunday with a double-day of racing that starts with a 97.3km road race and ends with a time trial in Sibiu.
Results
Results powered by FirstCycling

Kirsten Frattini has been the Editor of Cyclingnews since December 2025, overseeing editorial operations and output across the brand and delivering quality, engaging content.
She manages global budgets, racing & events, production scheduling, and contributor commissions, collaborating across content sections and teams in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia to ensure audience and subscription growth across the brand.
Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
'Stop riding at the front when Van der Poel and Pogačar are there' – Tiesj Benoot calls for riders to rethink tactics at the Classics
Versatile Belgian warns against 'racing for second' by helping the big stars -
'It is simple, he is the very best cyclo-cross rider ever' – Sven Nys heaps praise on Mathieu van der Poel as he matches decade-old record with 50th World Cup win
Dutchman has chance to hold outright record if he wins Sunday's World Cup in Hoogerheide -
Gran Premio Castellón: Michael Matthews storms to first win of 2026 season in gruelling uphill sprint
Australian puts 'cherry on the cake' after ful day of work for Jayco AlUla -
Joran Wyseure taken to hospital after start-line crash at Cyclo-cross World Cup in Maasmechelen, Worlds participation a question mark
Crelan-Corendon team have not yet released a medical update



