Diego Ulissi was the best Italian at the finish line of the third stage of the Tour of Oman. On the final climb towards Eastern Mountain, he held his ground against the climbers in the group and tried to compete for the victory.

The Tuscan rider finished eighth, just a few seconds behind the stage winner David Gaudu, marking his second podium in this Omani adventure.

"It was a very tough day, especially because of the heat these days that is strongly affecting the race," Diego told tuttobiciweb right after the finish line. "The group attacked the climb very hard, and certainly the pure climbers were at an advantage, but I still tried to race my own race and defend myself. I haven't yet reached an optimal form, but day by day I'm feeling better, I'm testing myself, and for now my assessment can only be positive."