Juan Sebastián Molano adds to UAE’s tally with Tour of Oman stage 1 sprint win
The opening stage of the Tour of Oman was won by Juan Sebastián Molano. The Colombian sprinter of UAE Team Emirates XRG powered to victory ahead of fellow countryman Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural Seguros RGA) and Gerben Thijssen (Alpecin-Premier Tech). It was already the seventh win of the Emirati team this season.
The opening stage was a largely flat 170.9km ride from Muscat to the Bimmah Sink Hole. After several early attacks, Patryk Goszczurny (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), José Luis Faura (Burgos Burpellet BH) and Alex Díaz (Caja Rural Seguros RGA) formed the break of the day.
The trio built up a maximum advantage of 3 minutes, before being reeled in by the peloton led by Alpecin Premier-Tech and UAE Team Emirates-XRG with 22km to go as the bunch began to prepare for the sprint.
In the finale, Alpecin-Premier Tech took control at the front of the peloton and delivered Gerben Thijssen with a perfect lead-out for the finish. Molano still found room on the outside and launched with pace. Gaviria made it tight right at the line, but could not overhaul him.
Tomorrow, the Tour of Oman continues with a 191.4km stage from Al Rustaq Fort to Yitti Hills. Rolling terrain sets the tone, before a punchy finale of short climbs that should invite attacks and reward riders willing to take risks.
Result: Tour of Oman stage 2
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