After a podium place on stage 4, it seemed as if Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) could challenge for the win on the Green Mountain in the Tour of Oman. But the Italian was off the pace and finished in 16th place, 1:45 behind stage winner Chris Froome.

“It was a day of suffering,” Nibali said according to Biciciclismo. “If you're not in form you can't do anything on a climb, and I'm still not in shape.

“This race is important for my preparation, but I'm not worried. Froome was the best, there was nothing to do about that. With 3.5 km to go, I understood that it was too hard for me, and I decided to continue at my own pace.”

After finishing the Tour of Oman today, the next race in the Italian's build-up towards the Tour de France will be Paris-Nice, followed by Milano-Sanremo. Nibali may also participate in the Ronde van Vlaanderen and the Ardennes classics.