Reigning French champion, Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ), claimed a well deserved stage victory on the final stage of the Tour of Oman thanks to a ferocious sprint finish at Matrah Corniche. Despite determined efforts from Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) and Taylor Phinney (BMC) Bouhanni was the first rider to cross the line in the waterfront cluster sprint.

Overall leader Chris Froome (Sky) had an unproblematic day in the main peloton to clinch overall victory, 27 seconds ahead of Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff). Cadel Evans (BMC) completed the podium in 3rd place, 39 seconds down on the British rider.

This is Froome’s first-ever stage race victory and, given the strength in depth of the peloton, it is a triumph that promises great things for the remaining part of his season.

Saturday’s final stage was made vivacious by a three-man break including Wesley Kreder (Vacansoleil-DCM), Andrea Di Corrado (Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox) and Gatis Smukulis (Katusha), but the trio was duly swallowed up by a peloton hungry for a bunch finish.

Besides the overall classification Froome also won the points competition. Kenny Ellison (FDJ) was the best young rider, while Bobbie Traksel (CSS) was the most aggressive rider. BMC took the team competition.

Results of Stage 6
1 Nacer Bouhanni - FDJ
2 Matthew Harley Goss - Orica GreenEdge
3 Taylor Phinney - BMC Racing
4 Elia Viviani - Cannondale Pro Cycling
5 Borut Bozic - Astana
6 Daryl Impey - Orica GreenEdge
7 Tom Boonen - Omega Pharma-QuickStep
8 Danny van Poppel - Vacansoleil-DCM
9 Blaz Jarc - Team NetApp-Endura
10 Marco Coledan - Bardiani Valvole - CSF Inox

General classification 
1 Christopher Froome - Sky Procycling
2 Alberto Contador Velasco - Team Saxo-Tinkoff 0.27
3 Cadel Evans - BMC Racing Team 0.39