David Gaudu came to the Tour of Oman to win and did not miss his chance. In the third stage of the Omani race from Fanja to Eastern Mountain, the Frenchman made the difference uphill, beating Adam Yates right at the finish line. Good performance by Diego Ulissi, who finished in eighth position.

A large part of the day was characterized by the attack of Nicolas Vinokourov (xds Astana Team) and Ryan Boulahoite (Team Total Energies), who escaped just a kilometer after the official start.

The entire race was kept under control by UAE Team Emirates, which kept the breakaway at a maximum advantage of 3'00". With 12 km to go, Vinokourov remained alone at the finish, then facing the final 4.5 km climb with about 1 minute advantage.

The final ascent was attacked full-throttle by the peloton, which under the impulse of UAE Team Emirates, Visma Lease a Bike, and Groupama FDJ literally disintegrated the advantage of the breakaway rider, who was caught about 2.5 km from the finish. On the slopes of Eastern Mountain, no one had time to hide anymore. Yates launched the attack, and David Gaudu promptly responded, creating a head-to-head battle reminiscent of the grand tours. In the end, the victory was decided in a sprint, with the French athlete prevailing over his rival.

With today's victory, David Gaudu takes the lead in the general classification with a 6" advantage over Adam Yates. Tomorrow, the group will face the fourth stage from Oman Across Age Museum to the Oman Convention Exhibition Centre, a stage suitable for sprinters. The battle for the general classification will have to wait until the final queen stage, which will end at Green Mountain.

FINISH ORDER

1. Gaudu David (Groupama-FDJ) in 04:16:10
2. Yates Adam (UAE Team Emirates) + 01
3. Howson Damien (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) + 05
4. Paret-Peintre Valentin (Soudal Quick-Step) + 13
5. Brenner Marco (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)
6. Uijtdebroeks Cian (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) + 16
7. Harper Chris (Team Jayco-AlUla)
8. Ulissi Diego (XDS Astana Team) + 23
9. Guerreiro Ruben (Movistar Team)
10. Poels Wout (XDS Astana Team)

Updated