For the third time in 2014, Peter Sagan (Cannondale) finished 2nd when he was beaten by André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) in the sprint at the end of the third stage of the Tour of Oman. Having hoped to repeat his win in a similar stage last year, the Slovakian blamed the headwind for his failure which made it easier for the sprinters to remain in contention.

In 2013 no rider took more wins than Peter Sagan but after a month of racing in 2014, the Slovakian has yet to raise his arms in celebration. Today he got close in the third stage of the Tour of Oman but for the third time in the short season he had to settle for 2nd.

Sagan had won a stage with the same finish 12 months ago when he had launched a stinging solo attack in the finale. Today he again went on the attack when he joined Chris Froome, Zdenek Stybar, and Fabian Cancellara in a move but the quartet faced a fierce headwind that made it impossible to stay away.

In the end it all ended in a sprint and Sagan still had enough energy to finish 2nd, only being beaten by André Greipel but finishing ahead of a fast finisher like Nacer Bouhanni in 3rd.

Having already finished 2nd in stages of the Tour de San Luis and the Dubai Tour, Sagan is no longer in any mood for runner-up spots and he was clearly disappointed at the finish, blaming the failure on the headwind which made it too easy for the pure sprinters.

"There was a strong head wind on the climb and so it was pretty hard to get away but it was easier if you were on the wheel," he told Cyclingnews at the finish. "We got away with a few others but Greipel managed to stay in the peloton, and it was a good finish for him. I tried to go with the move and I tried in the sprint. But there was not much I could do when he was back up to the front."

Sagan will probably have to save his energy for Sunday's final stage as the next two stages will suit the climbers.

You can read our preview of the race here.