MUSCAT: Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) achieved a hard-earned second consecutive victory at the Tour of Oman, finishing closely behind Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) in the final stage at the iconic Green Mountain (Jabal Al Akhdar) on Wednesday.
Although Paret-Peintre claimed a dramatic stage win, Yates maintained his overall lead, finishing six seconds ahead of the French rider and 39 seconds in front of third-place David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ).
The 138.5km stage featured a picturesque valley loop and concluded with a challenging six-kilometre climb averaging a gradient of 9.9%. A breakaway group of 17 riders, including 2023 Green Mountain champion Mauri Vansevenant (Soudal-QuickStep), attempted to dominate the stage early on, but Yates’ team and Groupama-FDJ kept a relentless pace, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
As the competitors neared the final ascent with only a minute's lead, Vansevenant made an early attack, but his efforts were quickly neutralized by the general classification (GC) contenders. Australia's Jay Vine played a crucial role in maintaining the pace for Yates, while Damien Howson (Q36.5) crashed but managed to recover and finish fourth overall.
The pivotal moment occurred with two kilometres to go when Yates and Paret-Peintre broke away from the pack, leaving Gaudu behind. Yates momentarily eased up, allowing Gaudu to rejoin, but as they entered the final kilometre, Yates unleashed a powerful sprint that left Paret-Peintre struggling to keep pace.
After successfully defending his title, Yates remarked: “From the beginning of the week, we recognized this stage would be crucial. Stage 3 featured a tough climb, but it was shorter and more explosive, which didn’t suit my strengths as well as today’s climb. We concentrated on today, and it proved to be the right strategy.”
From the outset of the stage, we maintained control, recognizing the importance of managing the breakaway to secure the time bonus at the finish. The team executed their strategy exceptionally well, and in the final stretch, Jay and Rafa established a strong pace on the ascent.
Earlier this week, I noted that I am not yet at my peak performance. My priority is to sustain my form for the long term later in the year, so I am content with my current state and excited to be in contention for the win. This bodes well for the future, and I am genuinely pleased to have achieved this victory.
Paret-Peintre, however, managed to keep pace with Yates and surged ahead in the final bend to secure his first stage victory for Soudal-QuickStep, finishing just two seconds ahead of Yates.
“I attempted to shake off Yates about two kilometers from the finish, but I realized he was quite strong,” Paret-Peintre reflected on his success. “I concentrated on the stage, and I’m thrilled to kick off the season this way with my new team. Winning early in the season is fantastic.”
At just 23 years old, Paret-Peintre, who made a mark last year with a stage win at the Giro d’Italia, continues to demonstrate his potential as a vital rider for Soudal-QuickStep, likely to support team leader Remco Evenepoel in the significant races of the upcoming season.
Although Yates did not win the stage, his consistent performance throughout the tour was sufficient to secure his overall victory. The British rider’s showing at the Tour of Oman highlights his enduring strength and tactical approach to racing.
The closing ceremony took place under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Kais Al Said, Vice Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee. Also in attendance were Basil Al Rawas, Undersecretary of Sports & Youth, along with other senior officials.
Fifth stage results (top five): 1. Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) finished in 03:13:15, 2. Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) at +02, 3. David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) at +45, 4. Embret Svestad-Bardseng (ARKEA-B&B HOTELS) at +51, 5. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) at +51.
General classification (top five): 1. Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) with a total time of 21:13:18, 2. Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) at +06, 3. David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) at +39, 4. Damien Howson (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) at +01:07, 5. Cian Uijtdebroeks (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) at +01:16.
