Dan Martin had a promising start to the Tour of Oman today as he finished in a select group of riders, just eight seconds behind his team-mate Bob Jungels who took the victory.
The 145.5 kilometre stage from Oman Exhibition Center to Al Bustan included two categorised climbs – Al Hamriyah after 122 kilometres and the climb at Al Jissah with just five kilometres remaining.
A small group containing many of the main contenders formed after the second climb and with just two kilometres remaining, Jungels attacked.
He opened up a small lead on the descent which he was able to hold on to when the road flattened out.
Serge Pauwels (Dimension Data) won the small group sprint for second with Romain Bardet (AG2R-La Mondiale) in third. Dan Martin finished in the same time as these two alongside Tom Dumoulin (Team Giant-Alpecin), Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team) and Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) amongst others.
The race continues tomorrow with a 162-kilometre stage from Omantel Head Office to Quriyat with two categorised climbs along the way including the summit finish to Quriyat.
Stage 1 Results
1 Bob Jungels (Lux) Etixx – Quick-Step 3:37:33
2 Serge Pauwels (Bel) Dimension Data 0:00:06
3 Romain Bardet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 0:00:08
4 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Dimension Data
5 Tom Dumoulin (Ned) Team Giant-Alpecin
6 Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Team
7 Rui Costa (Por) Lampre – Merida
8 Davide Rebellin (Ita) CCC Sprandi Polkowice
9 Floris De Tier (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise
10 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Astana Pro Team
11 Daniel Martin (Irl) Etixx – Quick-Step
General Classification
1 Bob Jungels (Lux) Etixx – Quick-Step 3:37:23
2 Serge Pauwels (Bel) Dimension Data 0:00:10
3 Romain Bardet (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 0:00:14
