The first Omani day speaks Dutch with the third edition of the Muscat Classic, 170.3 km from Al Mouj to Al Bustan. Rick Pluimers from Tudor imposed himself in the final sprint after a race characterized by multiple attacks. An impetuous uphill sprint allowed the twenty-four-year-old from the Netherlands to achieve his first victory as a professional.

Second place went to Belgian Jenthe Biermans from Arkea B&B Hotels, third was Henok Mulubrahn from Xsd Astana Team. A good performance also from the Italians of Xsd Astana Team with Diego Ulissi narrowly missing the podium and Davide Toneatti finishing in seventh position.

The first part of the race was characterized by an attack attempt by three athletes who started immediately after the start: Rasmus Bogh Wallin (Uno x), Muhammad Nur Aima Mohd Zariff, and Adne Van Engelen (Terenggaun Cycling Team). The group, thanks to the valuable work of Visma Lease a Bike and Groupama FDJ, always kept the attackers under control, who managed to gain a maximum of 7 minutes advantage.

The first climb of the day, located 85 km from the finish line, with peaks of 10%, made a first selection at the head of the race where only Van Engelen resisted, who was then reabsorbed by the group 40 km from the finish.

The terrible finale, rich in ups and downs, literally shattered the group where a series of attacks alternated, with the most significant one by Lorenzo Germani (Groupama FDJ), who attacked 38 km from the finish line. He was then joined by Chris Harper (Jayco Alula), Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates), and Pepijn Rindrink (Picnic Postnl). However, the final climb of Wadi Al Kabir, ending 5000 m from the finish line, was decisive, where the group, climbing steadily, managed to regroup and then contest the sprint.

After this special inauguration with the third edition of the Muscat Classic, tomorrow the Tour of Oman officially begins with the first stage from Bushar to Mimmah Sink Hole, covering 177.7 km.

FINISH ORDER

1. Pluimers Rick (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) in 04:16:50
2. Biermans Jenthe (Arkea B&B Hotels)
3. Mulubrhan Henok (XDS Astana Team)
4. Ulissi Diego (XDS Astana Team)
5. Donnenwirth Tom (Groupama-FDJ)
6. Paret-Peintre Valentin (Soudal Quick-Step)
7. Toneatti Davide (XDS Astana Team)
8. García Cortina Iván (Movistar Team)
9. Vansevenant Mauri (Soudal Quick-Step)
10. Fredheim Stian (Uno-X Mobility)