The opening stage saw an early breakaway attempt by Bobbie Traksel (CSS) and Kohei Uchima (JPN). At the only KOM (at 46 km) of the day, they enjoyed a solid 9 minute lead over the peloton.

Approximately 30 km from the finish line, Traksel was caught by the pack, whereas Uchima continued to try his luck on his own. After another 10 km, though, he too was reeled back in by a peloton led by a hard working ORICA-GreenEDGE team looking to set up Matt Goss for a sprint win.

From this point on, the teams jostled endlessly for position as the peloton powered towards the finish line at Sultan Qaboos University.
In the inevitable bunch sprint, Kittel edged out Davide Appollonio (AG2R) and Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) to also claim the leader’s jersey.

In addition, Kittel also leads the points’ competition and the competition for best young rider.
 

Results Stage 1
1 Marcel Kittel - Team Argos-Shimano 4.04.59
2 Davide Appollonio - AG2R La Mondiale
3 Nacer Bouhanni - FDJ
4 Alexander Kristoff - Katusha
5 Tom Boonen - Omega Pharma-Quick Step
6 Taylor Phinney - BMC Racing Team
7 Filippo Fortin - Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox
8 Kristof Goddaert - IAM Cycling
9 Elia Viviani - Cannondale Pro Cycling
10 Jacopo Guarnieri - Astana Pro Team

General Classement

1 Marcel Kittel - Team Argos-Shimano 4.04.49
2 Davide Appollonio - AG2R La Mondiale 0.04
3 Bobbie Traksel - Champion System Pro Cycling Team
4 Nacer Bouhanni - FDJ 0.06
5 Dominique Rollin - FDJ 0.09
6 Sonny Colbrelli - Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox
7 Alexander Kristoff - Katusha 0.10
8 Tom Boonen - Omega Pharma-Quick Step
9 Taylor Phinney - BMC Racing Team
10 Filippo Fortin - Bardiani Valvole-CSF Inox