Tour of Oman: Stage 5, Hirt’s masterpiece

Jan Hirt (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux) displayed impressive climbing legs on Monday to tame the famous ascent of Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain). The Czech rider enjoyed strong support from his teammates, especially Rein Taaramäe, and went solo in the last 2km.

Not only does Hirt take the stage win with significant gaps ahead of Kevin Vauquelin and Elie Gesbert (Arkea-Samsic), he also cracked Fausto Masnada (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team) on slopes of more than 10% to take the red leader’s jersey at the end of an eventful stage that saw the battle open up early in the wind.

On Tuesday, the final stage will lead the riders to the spectacular Matrah Corniche.The fifth stage took riders inland to the Al-Dakhiliyah region, beginning with a long stretch south through the Sumail Gap which divides the Al Hajar Mountains into their eastern and western subranges.
A major centre of Islamic culture, education and trade, Nizwa is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and historic mosques, some dating to the 9th century.

West of Nizwa lies Bahla Fort, a wonder of ancient architecture built by the Banu Nebhan between the 12th and 15th centuries, and now one of Oman’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The ascent to the top of Jabal Al Akhdar is one of the best-known destinations in Oman offering panoramic vistas, cooler weather, vibrant green wadis (valleys) and a dramatic mountain landscape.