Belgium’s Ben Hermans won the Tour of Oman on Sunday after finishing safely in the pack at the conclusion of the sixth and final stage.
ADVERTISEMENTBelgium’s Ben Hermans won the Tour of Oman on Sunday after finishing safely in the pack at the conclusion of the sixth and final stage.
The BMC rider took over the race lead on the second stage and after winning the penultimate test on Saturday stretched his lead to a comfortable 22 second advantage of Rui Costa of Portugal.
His overall victory was never in serious doubt on the 130 kilometre final challenge to Matrah Cornich as he kept his principle rivals in check throughout.
Out in front and with 5km to the line French rider Romain Bardet attacked and Greg Van Avermaet was quick to keep pace but the bunch caught them in time for the expected mass sprint for stage honours.
Norway’s Alexander Kristoff had more in the legs than his rivals as he claimed the spoils for his third stage win this edition.
Hermans, meanwhile, celebrated the overall win with Team UAE Abu Dhabi’s Costa finishing second overall and Italian Astana rider Fabio Aru completing the podium.