Sacha Modolo finished in the top ten in the opening stage of the Tour de Oman. The stage (Bayt Al Naman Castle -Al Wutayyah, 161km) ended with a bunch sprint, in which the sprinter of Lampre-Merida crossed the line in 9th.

Lampre-Merida rode in support of Modolo and Rui Costa. The former World Champion had a quiet day in his season debut, finishing the test in 65th position.

" Our group of athletes have resumed the work begun in Qatar. They rode as a united and harmonious team," said sports director Philippe Mauduit. "I have seen further progress from this point of view, with the guys able to be at the side of the captains in the most important phases. In this respect, the physical recovery of Bono after Qatar was important as he has been hampered by some problems. 

For the finale, compared to the Tour of Qatar, we miss Richeze, so it was left to Ferrari and Pozzato to support Modolo. They all did well."