Oman Wires It's all about Oman
Setting out from Al Hamra in nevertheless circumstances, a stark contrast to the testing winds the field faced on the mountain courses, riders produced a quickly begin on flat rolling roads from the ancient town. Then came the sting in the tail, a relentless series of steep switchbacks and climbs as the course ascended towards the finish in Misfat.
The day was won by Australia’s Adrian White, who clawed back time on the all round leader Guillaume Bourgeois, but not sufficient to deny the Swiss rider the Haute Route Oman title. Following nearly six hours of determined riding, Bourgeois completed only 1 minute and 27 seconds ahead of White, with Thomas Berger of the Netherlands finishing the podium areas.
“I am very happy. It is always difficult after the first day when you control the race to continue to manage it for the two following days,” mentioned Bourgeois.
He added, “So, Saturday went well and I was able to control those following me, and I knew today was quite a short race time so it would be difficult to close a big gap, so I was pretty confident and very happy with the result.”
The women’s race was a clearer reduce affair, with British cyclist Helen Sharp winning all 3 stages to finish a lot more than 20 minutes clear of China’s Stella Chen He, with the Netherlands’ Lispeth Gruppen taking third.
“It’s been epic, absolutely amazing. Tough, but it always is with a Haute Route, that’s what you expect, it is what it is supposed to be. Great people, great scenery, a great country and sunshine, just awesome,” mentioned Helen.
Local rider Hatim al Booshri was the major Omani competitor in 16th location, just two ahead of Shibab al Qamshouai.
Information Source: Muscat Daily
