Muscat: Fausto Masnada (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team) took the solo win and the red leader’s jersey after a thrilling stage from Al Sifah to Muscat Royal Opera on Sunday.

The rolling route saw action from the start until the finish, with a 119.5km dominated by the Wolfpack’s collective strength.

Masnada’s partner Mauro Schmid opened things up early in the stage and eventually dominated the sprint in the 7-man group that finished 1’07’’ behind the Italian climber, including the former leader of the race Anthon Charmig (Uno-X Pro Cycling Team).

Masnada is the fourth wearer of the red jersey of the Tour of Oman 2022 ahead of the ascent of Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain) on Monday.

Stage Classification

1. Fausto Masnada (Quick – Step Alpha Vinyl Team) 03h01’53’’

2. Mauro Schmid (Quick – Step Alpha Vinyl Team) +01’07’’

3. Kévin Vauquelin (Team Arkea – Samsic) +01’07’’

General Classification

4. Fausto Masnada (Quick – Step Alpha Vinyl Team) 14h49’00’’

5. Anthon Charmig (Uno – X Pro Cycling Team) +55’’

6. Jan Hirt (Intermarché – Wanty – Gobert – Matériaux) +58’’