With his first big win of the year already in the bag, Sam Bennett was right in the mix again today in the bunch sprint that settled the opening stage of the Tour of Oman. Above, Andrea Guardini (Astana) takes the victory from Tom Boonen (Etixx Quick Step) and Matteo Pelucchi (IAM Cycling).
By Brian Canty
Sam Bennett has continued his good form into the opening day of the Tour of Oman this afternoon, taking eighth place in the bunch sprint that decided the 161 kilometre stage from Bayt Al Naman Castle to Al Wutayyah.
The Bora–Argon 18 man came into today’s opener on the back of a career-best result last Friday when he claimed the sixth and final stage of the Tour of Qatar.
Though he went close today on the slightly uphill finish, he had to bow to the experience of some of those who edged him; Italian Andrea Guardini (Astana), Tom Boonen (Etixx Quick Step) and Matteo Pelucchi (IAM Cycling).
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Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), who took a hat-trick of stage wins last week, was fourth while Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff-Saxo) filled some of the minor placings.
Bennett will start tomorrow’s second stage 11th on general classification as time bonuses were on offer throughout today’s stage, as well as on the line.
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Philip Deignan started his first race of the year today at the Tour of Oman. It should be interesting to see what the Irishman can do this year in his second year at Team Sky.
His teammate Patrick Konrad managed to escape in the three-man move that marked today’s stage so he will start third overall, five seconds behind Guardini with Boonen second at four seconds.
Tomorrow’s stage is another chance for Bennett judging by the parcours, which features two climbs in the closing 25 kilometres.
It’s likely those ascents will be difficult enough to shed some of the pure sprinters and if Bennett can manage to crest them with the leaders he should have a chance at the sprint.
The other Irishman in the race, Philip Deignan of Team Sky, finished safely in the main bunch today, crossing the line in 40th place.
Friday’s fourth stage to the summit finish on Green Mountain is where he’ll look to stamp his authority.
It’s pretty much climbing all day, from the start at Sultan Qaboos Grande Mosque to the finish at 1,235 metres.
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