The 2017 Tour of Oman was a road cycling stage race that took place between 14 and 19 February 2017 in Oman. It was the eighth edition of the Tour of Oman and was rated as a 2.HC race as part of the 2017 UCI Asia Tour.[1] The previous year's winner, Vincenzo Nibali, did not defend his title.[2]

2017 Tour of Oman
UCI Asia Tour
Race details
Dates14–19 February 2017
Stages6
Distance878 km (545.6 mi)
Winning time20h 56' 20"
Results
Winner  Ben Hermans (Belgium) (BMC Racing Team)
  Second  Rui Costa (Portugal) (UAE Abu Dhabi)
  Third  Fabio Aru (Italy) (Astana)

Points  Alexander Kristoff (Norway) (Team Katusha–Alpecin)
Youth  Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) (Team Dimension Data)
Combativity  Aimé De Gendt (Belgium) (Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise)
  Team Team Dimension Data
← 2016
2018 →

The race was won by Belgium's Ben Hermans,[3] as part of the BMC Racing Team; Hermans took the race lead after winning the second stage of the race, and further extended his lead with a victory in the queen stage of the race, finishing at Jabal Al Akhdhar. Hermans won the race by 22 seconds ahead of Portuguese rider Rui Costa (UAE Abu Dhabi), who finished second on two stages during the race. The podium was completed by Astana's Fabio Aru from Italy, who was a further 13 seconds in arrears of Costa.[4]

Hermans duked it out for the points classification victory with Norwegian sprinter Alexander Kristoff (Team Katusha–Alpecin), with the honours ultimately going to Kristoff,[4] who won three of the remaining four stages of the race. The young rider classification was won by Eritrea's Merhawi Kudus, who finished in fourth place overall for Team Dimension Data, while Belgian Aimé De Gendt (Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise) won the combativity classification for points won at intermediate sprints and noted climbs.[4] With Kudus, Lachlan Morton and Nathan Haas all finishing within the top ten overall, Team Dimension Data won the teams classification.[4]

Teams

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Eighteen teams were invited to take part in the race. These included nine UCI WorldTeams and nine UCI Professional Continental teams.[5]

UCI WorldTeams

UCI Professional Continental Teams

Route

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The route for the race was announced on 27 January 2017.[6]

Stage schedule
Stage Date Route Distance Type Winner
1 14 February Al Sawadi Beach to Naseem Park 173 km (107 mi)   Flat stage   Alexander Kristoff (NOR)
2 15 February Nakhal to Al Bustan 142 km (88 mi)   Hilly stage   Ben Hermans (BEL)
3 16 February Sultan Qaboos University to Quriyat 162 km (101 mi)   Hilly stage   Søren Kragh Andersen (DNK)
4 17 February Yiti to Ministry of Tourism 118 km (73 mi)   Hilly stage   Alexander Kristoff (NOR)
5 18 February Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar 152.5 km (95 mi)   Medium-mountain stage   Ben Hermans (BEL)
6 19 February The Wave Muscat to Matrah Corniche 130.5 km (81 mi)   Flat stage   Alexander Kristoff (NOR)

Stages

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Stage 1

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14 February 2017 — Al Sawadi Beach to Naseem Park, 173 km (107 mi)[7]
Result of Stage 1[8]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Alexander Kristoff (NOR) Team Katusha–Alpecin 3h 46' 29"
2   Kristian Sbaragli (ITA) Team Dimension Data + 0"
3   Sonny Colbrelli (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 0"
4   Lasse Norman Hansen (DNK) Aqua Blue Sport + 0"
5   Lucas Sebastián Haedo (ARG) UnitedHealthcare + 0"
6   Jakub Mareczko (ITA) Wilier Triestina–Selle Italia + 0"
7   Roy Jans (BEL) WB Veranclassic Aqua Protect + 0"
8   Benjamin Giraud (FRA) Delko–Marseille Provence KTM + 0"
9   Sacha Modolo (ITA) UAE Abu Dhabi + 0"
10   Manuel Belletti (ITA) Wilier Triestina–Selle Italia + 0"
General classification after Stage 1[9]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Alexander Kristoff (NOR)    Team Katusha–Alpecin 3h 46' 19"
2   Kristian Sbaragli (ITA) Team Dimension Data + 4"
3   Aimé De Gendt (BEL)    Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise + 4"
4   Sonny Colbrelli (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 6"
5   Giuseppe Fonzi (ITA) Wilier Triestina–Selle Italia + 6"
6   Larry Warbasse (USA) Aqua Blue Sport + 9"
7   Alan Marangoni (ITA) Nippo–Vini Fantini + 9"
8   Lasse Norman Hansen (DNK) Aqua Blue Sport + 10"
9   Lucas Sebastián Haedo (ARG) UnitedHealthcare + 10"
10   Jakub Mareczko (ITA) Wilier Triestina–Selle Italia + 10"

Stage 2

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15 February 2017 — Nakhal to Al Bustan, 142 km (88 mi)[10]
Result of Stage 2[11]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL) BMC Racing Team 3h 20' 49"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 0"
3   Jakob Fuglsang (DNK) Astana + 0"
4   Merhawi Kudus (ERI) Team Dimension Data + 4"
5   Nathan Haas (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 7"
6   David de la Cruz (ESP) Quick-Step Floors + 7"
7   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 7"
8   Janier Acevedo (COL) UnitedHealthcare + 7"
9   Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing Team + 7"
10   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 7"
General classification after Stage 2[12]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL)   BMC Racing Team 7h 07' 08"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 4"
3   Jakob Fuglsang (DNK) Astana + 6"
4   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 14"
5   Nathan Haas (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 17"
6   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 17"
7   Janier Acevedo (COL) UnitedHealthcare + 17"
8   David de la Cruz (ESP) Quick-Step Floors + 17"
9   Mathias Frank (SUI) AG2R La Mondiale + 17"
10   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 17"

Stage 3

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16 February 2017 — Sultan Qaboos University to Quriyat, 162 km (101 mi)[13]
Result of Stage 3[14]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Søren Kragh Andersen (DNK) Team Sunweb 3h 53' 11"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 0"
3   Ben Hermans (BEL)   BMC Racing Team + 0"
4   Laurens De Plus (BEL) Quick-Step Floors + 0"
5   Jakob Fuglsang (DNK) Astana + 0"
6   David de la Cruz (ESP) Quick-Step Floors + 0"
7   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 0"
8   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 0"
9   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 4"
10   Lachlan Morton (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 4"
General classification after Stage 3[15]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL)    BMC Racing Team 11h 00' 15"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 2"
3   Jakob Fuglsang (DNK) Astana + 10"
4   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 18"
5   David de la Cruz (ESP) Quick-Step Floors + 21"
6   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 21"
7   Laurens De Plus (BEL) Quick-Step Floors + 21"
8   Søren Kragh Andersen (DNK) Team Sunweb + 21"
9   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 25"
10   Janier Acevedo (COL) UnitedHealthcare + 25"

Stage 4

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17 February 2017 — Yiti to Ministry of Tourism, 118 km (73 mi)[16]
Result of Stage 4[17]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Alexander Kristoff (NOR) Team Katusha–Alpecin 2h 50' 29"
2   Sonny Colbrelli (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 0"
3   Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing Team + 0"
4   Nathan Haas (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 0"
5   Marko Kump (SLO) UAE Abu Dhabi + 0"
6   Kristian Sbaragli (ITA) Team Dimension Data + 0"
7   Benjamin Declercq (BEL) Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise + 0"
8   Oliver Naesen (BEL) AG2R La Mondiale + 0"
9   Yves Lampaert (BEL) Quick-Step Floors + 0"
10   Marco Canola (ITA) Nippo–Vini Fantini + 0"
General classification after Stage 4[18]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL)   BMC Racing Team 13h 50' 41"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 5"
3   Jakob Fuglsang (DNK) Astana + 13"
4   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 21"
5   David de la Cruz (ESP) Quick-Step Floors + 22"
6   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 23"
7   Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing Team + 24"
8   Laurens De Plus (BEL) Quick-Step Floors + 24"
9   Søren Kragh Andersen (DNK) Team Sunweb + 24"
10   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 28"

Stage 5

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18 February 2017 — Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar, 152.5 km (95 mi)[19]
Result of Stage 5[20]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL)   BMC Racing Team 4h 08' 46"
2   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 3"
3   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 11"
4   Giovanni Visconti (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 27"
5   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 27"
6   Tsgabu Grmay (ETH) Bahrain–Merida + 34"
7   Lachlan Morton (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 38"
8   Mathias Frank (SUI) AG2R La Mondiale + 41"
9   Nathan Haas (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 44"
10   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 44"
General classification after Stage 5[21]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL)    BMC Racing Team 17h 59' 17"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 22"
3   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 35"
4   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 58"
5   Tsgabu Grmay (ETH) Bahrain–Merida + 1' 12"
6   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 1' 17"
7   Mathias Frank (SUI) AG2R La Mondiale + 1' 19"
8   Lachlan Morton (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 1' 21"
9   Giovanni Visconti (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 1' 33"
10   Nathan Haas (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 1' 38"

Stage 6

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19 February 2017 — The Wave Muscat to Matrah Corniche, 130.5 km (81 mi)[22]
Result of Stage 6[3]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Alexander Kristoff (NOR) Team Katusha–Alpecin 2h 57' 03"
2   Eduard-Michael Grosu (ROM) Nippo–Vini Fantini + 0"
3   Sacha Modolo (ITA) UAE Abu Dhabi + 0"
4   Bert Van Lerberghe (BEL) Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise + 0"
5   Manuel Belletti (ITA) Wilier Triestina–Selle Italia + 0"
6   Ramon Sinkeldam (NED) Team Sunweb + 0"
7   Sonny Colbrelli (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 0"
8   Lasse Norman Hansen (DNK) Aqua Blue Sport + 0"
9   Kristian Sbaragli (ITA) Team Dimension Data + 0"
10   Roy Jans (BEL) WB Veranclassic Aqua Protect + 0"
Final general classification[3]
Rank Rider Team Time
1   Ben Hermans (BEL)   BMC Racing Team 20h 56' 20"
2   Rui Costa (POR) UAE Abu Dhabi + 22"
3   Fabio Aru (ITA) Astana + 35"
4   Merhawi Kudus (ERI)   Team Dimension Data + 58"
5   Tsgabu Grmay (ETH) Bahrain–Merida + 1' 12"
6   Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale + 1' 17"
7   Mathias Frank (SUI) AG2R La Mondiale + 1' 19"
8   Lachlan Morton (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 1' 21"
9   Giovanni Visconti (ITA) Bahrain–Merida + 1' 33"
10   Nathan Haas (AUS) Team Dimension Data + 1' 38"

Classification leadership table

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There were five principal classifications in the 2017 Tour of Oman.

The first and most important was the general classification; the winner of this was considered the overall winner of the race. It was calculated by adding together each rider's times on each stage, then applying bonuses. Bonuses were awarded for coming in the top three on a stage (10 seconds for the winner, 6 seconds for the second placed rider and 4 seconds for the rider in third) or at intermediate sprints (3 seconds, 2 seconds and 1 second for the top three riders). The rider in the lead of the general classification wore a red jersey.[23]

The second competition was the points classification, calculated by awarding points for the top 10 riders at the finish of each stage (15 points to the winner down to 1 point for the rider in tenth place) and to the top three at intermediate sprints (3 points, 2 points and 1 point). The rider with the highest points total was the leader of the classification and wore a green jersey.[23] The young rider classification was open to those born on or after 1 January 1992. The young rider ranked highest in the general classification was the leader of the young rider classification and wore a white jersey.[23]

The combativity classification was based on points won at intermediate sprints and classified climbs along the route. Points were awarded to the top three riders across each sprint or climb (3 points, 2 points and 1 point). The rider with the most accumulated points was the leader of the classification and wore a white jersey with red and green polka dots.[23] The final competition was the team classification. On each stage, each team was awarded a time based on the cumulative time of its top three riders; the times for each stage were then added together and the team with the lowest total time was the leader of the team classification.[23]

Classification leadership by stage
Stage Winner General classification
 
Points classification
 
Young rider classification
 
Combativity classification
 
Team classification
1[24] Alexander Kristoff Alexander Kristoff Alexander Kristoff Aimé De Gendt Aimé De Gendt UAE Abu Dhabi
2[25] Ben Hermans Ben Hermans Merhawi Kudus Mark Christian Team Dimension Data
3[26] Søren Kragh Andersen Ben Hermans
4[27] Alexander Kristoff Alexander Kristoff Stefan Denifl
5[28] Ben Hermans Ben Hermans Mark Christian
6[4] Alexander Kristoff Alexander Kristoff Aimé De Gendt
Final[4] Ben Hermans Alexander Kristoff Merhawi Kudus Aimé De Gendt Team Dimension Data

References

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  1. ^ "Tour of Oman 2017". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  2. ^ "Tour of Oman 2017 start list". Cycling Weekly. Time Inc. UK. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Hermans seals Tour of Oman as Kristoff wins final day sprint". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. 19 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Hermans and Kristoff, heroes of Oman". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. 19 February 2017. Archived from the original on 20 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2017. Well protected by his BMC team mates, Ben Hermans made it to the finish among the peloton, winning the general classification of this 8th Tour of Oman. In the final standings, the Belgian wins the race with a 22" lead over Rui Costa and 35" over Fabio Aru. Second of the Vuelta a la Comunitat Valenciana behind Nairo Quintana at the beginning of the month, he confirms his fine start to the 2017 season. Thanks to his day's success, Alexander Kristoff wins the green jersey (points classification) and Merhawi Kudus (DDD) finishes best young rider while his Dimension Data squad is the best team of this Tour of Oman. Present at the front, on day 1 and again for over 120kms [sic] of the final stage, Aimé De Gendt claims the most aggressive rider's jersey.
  5. ^ "2017 Tour of Oman start list". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  6. ^ "Tour of Oman route and teams announced for 2017". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  7. ^ "Al Sawadi Beach / Naseem Park". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  8. ^ "Stage Classification 1" (PDF). MATSport.fr. MATSport Timing. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  9. ^ "General Classification 1" (PDF). MATSport.fr. MATSport Timing. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  10. ^ "Nakhal / Al Bustan". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  11. ^ "Stage Classification 2" (PDF). MATSport.fr. MATSport Timing. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  12. ^ "General Classification 2" (PDF). MATSport.fr. MATSport Timing. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  13. ^ "Sultan Qaboos University / Quriyat". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  14. ^ Robertshaw, Henry (16 February 2017). "Surprise winner of Tour of Oman stage three as Ben Hermans retains overall lead". Cycling Weekly. Time Inc. UK. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
  15. ^ "Andersen wins stage 3 of Tour of Oman". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
  16. ^ "Yiti (Jebel Sifah) / Ministry of Tourism". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  17. ^ Robertshaw, Henry (17 February 2017). "Alexander Kristoff sprints to Tour of Oman stage win as climbers' attacks prove futile". Cycling Weekly. Time Inc. UK. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  18. ^ "Tour of Oman: Kristoff victorious on stage 4". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  19. ^ "Sama'il / Jabal Al Akhdhar". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  20. ^ Marshall-Bell, Chris (18 February 2017). "Ben Hermans wins Tour of Oman Queen stage to all but secure overall victory". Cycling Weekly. Time Inc. UK. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  21. ^ "Tour of Oman: Hermans wins on Green Mountain on stage 5". Cyclingnews.com. Immediate Media Company. 18 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017.
  22. ^ "The Wave Muscat / Matrah Corniche". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  23. ^ a b c d e "Specific regulations" (PDF). Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  24. ^ "Honor 1st Stage" (PDF). MATSport.fr. MATSport Timing. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  25. ^ "Honor 2nd Stage" (PDF). MATSport.fr. MATSport Timing. 15 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  26. ^ "Andersen powers to glory". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. 16 February 2017. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2017. Third on the day, Ben Hermans remains in the overall lead with a 2" advantage over Rui Costa and 10" over Jakob Fuglsang (AST). The Belgian also takes command of the points classification while Kudus keeps the best young rider's white jersey. Mark Christian also keeps the most aggressive jersey on his shoulders.
  27. ^ "Kristoff in classic style". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. 17 February 2017. Archived from the original on 17 February 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2017. Part of the break of the day, Stefan Denifl (ABS) takes the most aggressive rider's jersey from his team mate Mark Christian.
  28. ^ "King of Green Mountain, Hermans comforts Red Jersey". Tour of Oman. Amaury Sport Organisation. 18 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2017. On the eve of the final stage on the Matrah Corniche, the BMC rider has all the cards in hands to conquer his very first Tour of Oman. He now also leads the points classification while Kudus (DDD), fifth today, remains the best young rider. The Most aggressive rider's jersey changes shoulders and returns to those of Mark Christian.
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