Monday’s stage in the Tour of Oman promised a climbing scene. The peloton was driven more than 140 km relatively flat towards the destination Green Mountain, but still a tough final climb of 6 km with an average of about 10 percent.
The mandatory early break was already 50 kilometers from the finish, after the peloton disintegrated prematurely. Denmark’s Anthon Charmegg, second in the standings, finished in the second set.
When dealing with the final climb, it was Intermarché-WG that called up the shots. The Belgian squad acted as captain Jan Hurt. The peloton was gradually reduced in size, until Hirt thought his moment had come.
The Czechs no longer looked back and took Jan and everyone off the wheel. In the end, he was 39 seconds ahead of France’s Kevin Foquelin. Henri Vandenabeele was the first handsome eighth Belgian to finish.
In the standings, Hurt snatched the leader’s shirt over Fausto Masnada. The fast Italian Step-Alpha Vinyl fell across the ice and ranked 11th in about two minutes. Tomorrow the Tour of Oman will probably end with a chance for a new runner, although there is still a pimple to beat three times in the final.
“Subtly charming internet specialist. Avid writer. Friendly alcohol guru. Music ninja. Devoted social media fanatic.”
More Stories
Transfer hour: “The club wants to shock Antwerp, and Real Madrid provides the surprise.”
Multi-League: Dortmund impresses against Milan and Atletico and record holder Witsel qualifies for the 1/8 finals | Champions League
Multiple matches: Lazio eliminates Celtic, and Doku starts on the bench against Leipzig and Opinda | Champions League