A crash and a mechanical put an end to our ambitions on the first uphill finish of the race.
Valentin Paret-Peintre was one of the riders to watch on the third stage of the Tour of Oman, which returned to the Eastern Mountain, one of the hardest climbs in the early part of the season. After all, the Frenchman finished fourth last year on this very climb and had high hopes again, especially as this was going to be an important test for the general classification, where the gaps were still small after two days.
Unfortunately for him and his ambitions, a crash that took place ten kilometers from the finish ruined everything. The 24-year-old quickly returned on his bike, and with the help of his Soudal Quick-Step teammates, joined the depleted bunch, but just as the 3.4km ascent averaging 8% started, he needed a bike change that took him out of contention on Monday.
Fortunately for Valentin and Mauri Vansevenant, our other rider involved in that incident, there were no serious injuries following the crash and they’ll both be able to continue the Tour of Oman, which on Tuesday schedules a stage for the fast men.
Photo credit: ©Dario Belingheri / Getty Images
