Tuesday 14 / January / 2025
Muscat: Jenthe Biermans (Team Arkéa-Samsic) raised a finger to the sky today, as he powered to victory in the first edition of the Muscat Classic, a race dominated by riders from Belgium and Italy.
At 27 years old, the Belgian rider claimed his first professional victory, a couple of weeks after his first podium finish in Valencia, Spain. This win also carried with an extra special meaning.
Biermans finished ahead of compatriot Jordi Warlop (Soudal Quick-Step) and held off the challenge from Italian duo Andrea Vendrame (AG2R Citroën Team) and Francesco Busatto (Intermarché–Circus–Wanty) in the sprint at the end of a 173.7km route from Al Mouj Muscat to Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz Carlton Hotel.
There is little time to celebrate, however, as the riders prepare to face new battles from Saturday, when the 12th edition of the Tour of Oman gets underway. The first stage will see the riders head from Al Rustaq Fort to Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) – a ride of 147.4km that will take the group through Al Awabi and Nakhal, before climbing towards Fanja and then turning for home within the grounds of OCEC.
Stage 2 on Sunday is a another gruelling 174km stretch from Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex to Qurayyat through Al Amerat, Al Fleij and a series of twists and turns in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains.
The Tour of Oman 2023 is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Muscat Municipality and the Oman Cycling Association.
Fans from all around the world will be able to follow the action and enjoy the best images of the Muscat Classic and the Tour of Oman.
