Kristoff takes spoils after spills in Tour of Oman opener

Alexandre Kristoff is celebrating victory after day one of the Tour of Oman.

The Norweigan Katusha rider finished the 176.5 km course in three hours and 46 minutes.

There was a bit of drama in the race with the first mini breakaway coming just after three kilometres but as the main pack moved closer to the leaders a crash sent several riders to the ground. Fortunately, they all managed to get back on the saddle.

But there was another spill on the final straight which saw flying Dutchman Tom Boonen eat dirt and could end his hopes of taking the title.

Italians Kristian Sbaragli and Sonny Colbrelli finished second and third behind Kristoff.