The first stage of the Tour of Oman ended with the victorious sprint of Italian Andrea Guardini (Astana). Arnaud Démare finished tenth but his team and sports director Martial Gayant feel that victory is near.

"I feel that the battle of the Tour of Qatar is still in their legs, says Gayant, "and the teams have not wanted to ride. We had four escapees that were finally caught. Katusha did the job but up to 6 kilometers from the finish, there was no race.

"Our train was ready but at such a high speed, everything should work without problems. One of my riders was not good today and could not really accomplish his job. At 400 meters from the line, Arnaud Démare was in twentieth position, he passed ten riders. He does not lose his composure, he knows that his teammates are very good and the addition of Sébastien Chavanel who feels very good, should allow him to quickly raise his arms."

This stage was very hot, about 40 degrees,, but Thibaut Pinot who comes from snowy Saône Vosges, did not seem to suffer.

On Wednesday the second stage will offer a different finale with a steep hill located, followed by a steep descent before the very fast three kilometers.