Wednesday 12 / February / 2025
MUSCAT: Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) secured a hard-fought second consecutive win at the Tour of Oman, finishing just behind Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-QuickStep) in the final stage at the legendary Green Mountain (Jabal Al Akhdar) on Wednesday.
Despite the Frenchman's dramatic stage victory, Yates held on to his overall lead, finishing six seconds ahead of Paret-Peintre and 39 seconds ahead of third-place finisher David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ).
The 138.5km stage, which included a scenic valley loop, culminated with a grueling six-kilometre ascent at an average gradient of 9.9%. Early on, a breakaway of 17 riders, including 2023 Green Mountain winner Mauri Vansevenant (Soudal-QuickStep), tried to seize the stage, but the pace was relentlessly pursued by Yates’ team and Groupama-FDJ, setting up a dramatic finale.
As the riders approached the final climb, with just a minute’s lead, Vansevenant made an early move, but his effort was short-lived as the group of general classification (GC) contenders closed in. Australia's Jay Vine played a pivotal role in setting the pace for Yates, while Damien Howson (Q36.5) suffered a crash but recovered to finish fourth overall.
The decisive moment came with two kilometres remaining when Yates and Paret-Peintre surged ahead, leaving Gaudu behind. Yates briefly eased, allowing Gaudu to make a comeback, but once they entered the final kilometre, Yates unleashed a powerful acceleration that left the Frenchman struggling to keep up.
Speaking after retaining the title, Yates said: “From the start of the week, we knew this would be the decisive stage. Stage 3 had a tough climb, but it was shorter and more explosive, which didn’t play to my strengths as well as today’s climb. We were focused on today, and it turned out to be the right decision.”
“Throughout the stage, we were in control from the beginning because we knew it would be beneficial for us to manage the breakaway and secure the time bonus at the end. The team did a fantastic job, and in the final, Jay and Rafa set an excellent pace on the climb.”
“I mentioned earlier in the week that I’m not in my peak shape just yet. My focus is on maintaining form for the long-term later in the year, so I’m happy with where I am and thrilled to be in the fight for the win. It’s a positive sign for the future, and I’m just really pleased to take the victory.”
Paret-Peintre, however, was able to match Yates' pace and broke away in the final curve to claim his first stage win for Soudal-QuickStep, crossing the line just two seconds ahead of Yates.
“I tried to drop Yates, about two kilometers from the finish, but I saw that he was very strong,” Paret-Peintre reflected on his win. “I focused on the stage, and I’m very happy to start the season this way with my new team. It’s great to win early in the season.”
The 23-year-old Paret-Peintre, who impressed last year with a stage win at the Giro d’Italia, continues to show his potential as a key rider for Soudal-QuickStep, likely supporting team leader Remco Evenepoel in the upcoming season's major races.
Despite losing the stage, Yates' consistency throughout the tour was enough to secure his overall victory. The British rider’s performance at the Tour of Oman underscores his enduring strength and strategic approach to racing.
The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Kais Al Said, Vice Chairman of the board of directors of the Oman Olympic Committee. Also present were Basil Al Rawas, Undersecretary of Sports & Youth, and other senior officials
Overall results: Fifth stage (top five): 1 Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step 03:13:15), 2 Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG + 02), 3 David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ + 45), 4 Embret Svestad-Bardseng (ARKEA-B&B HOTELS + 51), 5 Cian Uijtdebroeks (Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 51).
General classification (top five): 1 Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG 21:13:18), 2 Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step + 06), 3 David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ + 39), 4 Damien Howson (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team + 01:07), 5 Cian Uijtdebroeks (Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 01:16).
