Gesink claims Red Jersey on top of Green Mountain 1

February 18 ^th 2011 - 15:56

This fourth stage of the Tour of Oman, not only was to be the hardest with a final 5.8km climb up to the summit of Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain) after a total of 157.5kms of riding, it was also the hottest. Temperatures of close to 30°C welcomed the 126 riders at the start, set at Sultan Qaboos University.

The first kilometres covered were done so at an extremely fast pace and despite quite a few attempts including those of Tom Boonen (QST), the pack remained bunched. Finally after 42 kilometres, seven men managed to take off: Kump (GEO), Vaitkus (AST), Van Impe (QST), Ladagnous (FDJ), De Kort (SKS), Van Hecke (TSV) and McNally (SKT).

The gap grew from 45” at km 43 to 2’30 at the first intermediate sprint (km 47.5) claimed by Kump ahead of Van Hecke and McNally. The front men’s advantage reached a maximum 3’, ten kilometres later, before teams Katusha and Rabobank intensified the chase. The gap dropped down to 1’55 at km 88. The second bonus sprint was again won by Kump, virtually taking command of the most aggressive riders’ standings. The Geox rider beat McNally and Van Hecke while the pack remained 2’15 adrift.

At km 125, as the wind started blowing sideways, the pack broke up into several groups. Up front were all the race favourites including Red Jersey Goss as well as the likes of Vinokourov (AST), Hushovd (GRM), Boonen (QST), Gesink (RAB), Cancellara (LEO) and Hagen (SKY), but not Green Jersey, Bos (RAB).

At km 132, the front seven were caught by a pack of 40 riders. Time then for the final 5.8km climb at over 10%. With 4kms to go, Red Jersey, Matthew Goss (THR) was dropped behind as 11 men led the race. After a first attempt by Vinokourov, Robert Gesink managed to take off alone with 2kms to go. The Dutch climber powered on and increased the gap over the chasing group. Gesink eventually won the stage with a 47” lead over Hagen (SKY) and 51” over Devenyns (QST).

After the two stage successes of Theo Bos, Rabobank captures a third victory thanks to Gesink who takes command of the overall classification, as well as the best young rider standings. He can now enjoy a 44” lead over Hagen and 57” over Devenyns, while title-holder Cancellara is now 1’44 adrift. Hagen captures the Green points’ jersey.