Slovenia’s Bole bags overall honours in Tour of Salalah

Muscat: The consistency of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Team’s Grega Bole was rewarded as the Slovenian cyclist bagged the overall honours as the third edition of Tour of Salalah concluded on Wednesday.

Bole, who led ahead of the final day and was in a pole position to claim the crown, ensured that he completed the race and despite finishing the fourth and final stage in tenth spot, he reigned supreme.

Algeria’s Yacine Hamza, the first stage winner, took the honours in the 147 km final stage from Ain Razat to Ittin.

Hamza clocked 03:21:47 ahead of Universe Cycling Team’s Tom Wijfje and Team Storck-Metropol Cycling’s Dominik Merseburg who took the second and third spots respectively.

The final stage was almost a repeat of the penultimate and third stage as a close sprint was witnessed with six cyclists crossing the finishing line at the same time.

Bole ensured that he stayed ahead of his nearest competitor Abdulla Jasim Al Ali of UAE with his 10th spot (+1:23), just ahead of the Emirati teenager who finished 11th. The Slovenian rider won the overall leader’s golden jersey (13:34:57) while the green jersey went to stage winner Hamza.

UAE’s Abdulla Jasim won the best young rider’s white jersey with his consistent performance in the four stages. He finished second (+10) in the overall standings.

Netherland’s Kenny Nijssen (Universe Cycling Team) claimed the third overall (+50) position.
Another Dutch cyclist Wijfje showed his pedigree by winning the silver jersey for the most aggressive rider.

For the hosts, Mohammed Al Wahaibi claimed the 17th spot (+19:30) and teammate Said Al Rahbi’s ended 19th (+20:50).

Algerian cyclist Hamza capped a fine campaign by topping the points’ classification with 47 points.

Tour winner Bole came second with 37 points and Tom Wijfje finished third with 30 points.

Universe Cycling Team bagged the team honours (40:57:26) ahead of second-placed Team Storck-Metropol Cycling (+7:09) and UAE national team ((+17:42).

Oman national team claimed the fifth spot (+42:54) among the 10 teams that completed all the stages.