Nikias Arndt was first home for Team Giant-Alpecin on the second stage of the Tour of Oman in 20th place, leading home the second group on the road 46″ down on a select group of leaders. Warren Barguil and Georg Preidler also finished in this group but lost precious ground in the overall classification.

The stage was run out as per the book for the first two thirds, with a break of four establishing itself early and the peloton happy to let them have their time out in front. The four were reduced to three after one rider suffered a puncture, but they plugged on up front to over four minutes by the day’s second intermediate sprint.

The chase behind gradually increased in pace, but many riders had their eyes on two ascents within the final 20km. The first climb split the bunch slightly but Arndt was able to stay with the group together with the others, maintaining his chance of a shot at another sprint finish.

The pace on the second climb proved too much for him however as the lead group split, with two distinct groups forming on the descent. The front of the race was gone however and despite a hard fight the team were reduced to sprinting for 20th place, which Anrdt took.

Coach Marc Reef said after the stage: “We were having a good day until the final climb. We took the lead here which wasn’t necessary and set us on the back foot. When the guys moved Nikias up Warren wasn’t there and so he had to make a big effort to come across after the group split.

“He got across but then when it split again he didn’t make the front group, so we didn’t have anyone in the group of 19 in front. It’s good to see the guys taking there when they need to be and taking the initiative but there are points to improve from today still.”