Winner Yates isn’t in top shape yet, Paret-Peintre aimed for overall victory

Valentin Paret-Peintre won the fifth stage of the Tour of Oman in a mutual duel with Adam Yates. However, his British opponent from UAE Team Emirates-XRG secured the overall victory instead of David Gaudu, who could not keep up with the star formation's pace. Behind these three riders' battles, Cian Uijtdebroeks rode a strong stage, reaching fifth place in the GC.

The French rider is a new addition to Soudal Quick-Step. He should play an important role in Remco Evenepoel's possible Tour win, and he has already shown positive signals at the beginning of the season.

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Paret-Peintre won the sprint from Yates on Green Mountain

Paret-Peintre thought about GC, but went for the stage win in the end

"I thought I could win the GC so I tried to attack Yates but I saw that I was not strong enough to create a big gap. So I waited for the last 100m and I went full gas," he told the flash interview. It eventually earned him the stage victory and second place in the GC.

On the team website, a little later, the French rider elaborated on his victory. "We can be proud of what we achieved here. At the same time, it's important for me to have such a good start with the team. I knew it was possible to get a good result this week and I'm glad I could show the team they can put their trust in me. I'm leaving Oman with a great feeling and with the desire of fighting for more wins in the near future."

UAE gambled on last stage and set a high pace

Paret Peintre finished behind Yates, UAE imposed a scorching pace on the entire peloton and with that they eventually managed to break everyone but Paret-Peintre. Nevertheless, the overall victory can go home with them. "I think we knew already from the start of the week that this would be the key stage. We waited for today, and it turned out to be a good day," the leader told the team website.

"Throughout the stage, we pulled basically from the beginning because we knew it would be best for us if we could control the break and get the time bonus at the end of the stage. The team did a really good job and then in the final, Jay and Rafa did a great pace on the climb. I think I said at the beginning of the week that I'm not actually in top shape right now," Yated added. "I need to be good for a long time later in the year, so I'm happy to be at this level and fighting for the win. It's a good sign for the future, and I'm just happy to win!!"

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Cian Uijtdebroeks

Uijtdebroeks feels good on the bike again 

Uijtdebroeks also looks back on a good day. He managed to hang on until about two kilometers from the finish. And eventually crossed the line in fifth place at just under a minute. "I am very happy with this performance," the Belgian said on the team website. "I gave it everything I had. The three riders ahead were simply the strongest today. I tried to close the gap to them, but unfortunately, I couldn't quite manage it. I maintained my own high tempo throughout without pushing myself over the limit. The team did an excellent job once again today."

All in all, a successful season opener for the Young Belgian. "I came here to achieve the best possible result in the overall classification, but maybe even more importantly, to regain a good feeling on the bike. It's still the beginning of the season, and I know I have more progress to make, but I'm satisfied with my current form and how I feel. Looking back, I would have signed up for this result beforehand." Uijtdebroeks sounds satisfied."

Team Visma | Lease a Bike can also be satisfied with two stages and a classification. "Our sprint train went two for two, so we can be very satisfied with that," said sports director Maarten Wynants. "Cian also showed himself twice. The level here was already high, but he demonstrated that he has taken another step forward compared to last season. I think fifth place is a fair reflection of his performance," team manager Maarten Wynants concluded.  

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