February 15/17 15:38 pm - Tour of Oman: Stage 2

Posted by Editoress on 02/15/17
 

On the second stage the roads and hills of the Middle-East nation of Oman proved to be very demanding. After the battle between the sprinters on stage 1, it was time for the GC contenders to show how good their legs were. Part of the lead group on the final climb of the day, Ben Hermans waited for the final moments to power to his first ever stage success in Oman beating Rui Costa and Jakob Fuglsang to the line. The Belgian takes the overall lead and the Red Jersey with it.

After a first flat stage on the Tour of Oman, day 2 would be far more trying for the 142 riders of the race. In slightly cloudy conditions, making the temperature drop slightly, the pack took off from the Nakhal Castle for a 142 km race all the way to the west of Muscate, via several extremely steep climbs. It would be a day for GC contenders.

After a very fast start (50.8kms covered during the first hour) and despite many breakaway attempts, it wasn't until km 45 that two men managed to get away: Christian (ABS) and Van Hecke (SVB), winner of the Most Aggressive Riders' jersey back in 2014. Both escapees saw their advantage grow rapidly: from 5:50 at km 50 to 7:55 at the first intermediate sprint claimed by Van Hecke ahead of Christian and Red Jersey Kristoff (KAT), leading the pack.

Under the control of teams AG2R-La Mondiale, UAE Abu Dhabi and Astana, the gap started dropping quickly. At the top of the second climb of the day (km 96.5), Christian led the way ahead of Van Hecke while the pack remained 4:10 adrift. On the steep climb up Al Hamriyah (km 123), Christian was the only man left in the lead. He managed to reach the top with a 10s advantage before being eventually caught. On the final part of the course, on hilly and twisting roads, Daniel Eaton (UHC) powered away taking with him Lasse-Norman Hansen (ABS). Both men could enjoy a 30s lead with 10kms to go. At the second bonus sprint claimed by Eaton ahead of Hansen, the pack had moved closer, only 20s adrift. The front riders were finally caught before the final climb up Al Jissah.

Although 40 riders remained in the lead, the likes of race leader Alexander Kristoff, Tom Boonen and Bob Jungels (both QST) were dropped. Olympic silver medallist in Rio, Jakob Fuglsang (AST), was first to the top ahead of De la Cruz (QST) and Rui Costa (UAD), as the favourites group remained bunched. Taking off in the last 500m, Kudus (DDD) thought his effort would pay off but he was caught in the final metres. Perfectly timing his effort, Ben Hermans (BMC) captured the win beating Rui Costa (UAD) and Jakob Fuglsang (AST) to the line. The Belgian, the winner of the Fleche Brabançonne as well as stages on the Arctic Race of Norway and the Tour de Yorkshire claims his first success in Oman.

Hermans, thanks to his performance, takes the lead in the general classification, enjoying a 4s lead over Rui Costa and 6s over Fuglsang while pre-race favourites Fabio Aru (AST), 6th, and Romain Bardet (ALM), 10th, are 17s adrift. Claiming precious points at both intermediate sprints, Kristoff keeps control of the Green Jersey (points classification). Fourth of the stage, Kudus can be satisfied with the White Jersey for the best young rider. One of the men of the day, Mark Christian captures the Most Aggressive riders' jersey.

Canadians: Alex Cataford (UnitedHealthcare) finished 47th, at 1:43 back and is 44th in GC at 1:53. Hugo Houle (AG2R La Mondiale) finished 84th at 4:23 and sits 96th in GC at 8:36 back.