The second stage of the Tour of Oman, a 139-kilometer race from Al Bustan to Quriyat, ended with a sprint victory for Norway's Alexander Kristoff (Katusha). The London Olympic bronze medalist edged out Leigh Howard (Orica-GreenEdge), who had finished second the previous day, and Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) in the final sprint. Robert Förster (UnitedHealthcare) from Markleeberg finished fourth.
Due to second place, Howard takes the lead from André Greipel (Lotto Belisol), winner of the opening round.
The stage began with a minute's silence for Belgian Kristof Goddaert (IAM), who tragically died yesterday. However, shortly after the start, some riders' thoughts were already back on the race. As on the previous day, Preben van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen) and two teammates managed to break away from the peloton. The trio led by almost eight minutes at one point. However, they were caught ten kilometers from the finish. After that, the sprinters' teams prepared for the final sprint.
Result
1. Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
2. Leigh Howard (Orica GreenEdge)
3. Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep)
4. Robert Foerster (United Healthcare)
5. Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr)
Total
1. Leigh Howard (Orica GreenEdge)
2. Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
3. André Greipel (Lotto Belisol)
4. Preben van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen)
5. Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-QuickStep)