Peter Sagan (Cannondale) finally broke the drought when he won today's hard stage of the Tour of Oman in a three-rider sprint. Having escaped with Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) on the final descent, the Slovakian claimed to have almost attacked by accident, even without pedaling.

 

Peter Sagan and Cannondale Pro Cycling have officially entered the 2014 cycling season with an incredibly successful Tour of Oman. The Slovakian Champion left his first mark of the season in the Asian stage race claiming the fifth stage win, mimicking those he took in 2012 and 2013.

 

In addition to taking a stage win, Sagan leads the General Classification ahead of Omega Pharma-Quick Step’s Rigoberto Uran and Astana’s Vincenzo Nibali.

 

Sagan conquered the fourth and longest stage (173km) of the Tour of Oman which finished with a very hard circuit that saw the riders climb four ascents inside the final 70km. After Chris Froome and Uran had attacked on the final climb, things came back together on the descent. Almost by accident, Sagan accelerated and was joined by Nibali and Uran in what was the race-winning move. In the end Sagan had no trouble beating his companions in the sprint after he had used hi exceptional technical abilities to gain an advantage in a late roundabout.

 

The bunch, which included Cannondale Pro Cycling’s Moreno Moser, who placed 10th, reduced the gap in the final kilometer of the stage but finished 2 seconds too late.

 

After having been so close to victory several times this season, placing second at the Tour de San Luis, Dubai Tour and third in yesterday’s stage, Sagan can finally celebrate.

 

“I haven’t felt the pressure to win this season, but, of course, I like to be first,” said Sagan. “I could feel my form getting better, and a win was only a matter of time. Yesterday, I tried winning twice. I attacked at the finale and sprinted on the finish line. Andre Greipel has been a quick competitor so far, but for me this was a signal that it was my moment to shine.

 

"I'm happy to have won. I tried to win yesterday too, but it's important it's come now. It's important for me and for the team and so we're happy. I think I proved that my form is good. It was a hard stage.

 

"The outcome of races also depends on the wind," he added. "I went for alone too yesterday but we got pulled back and 80 riders fought for the win. This time it was windy on the climb but we made it to the finish."

 

Sagan claims to have almost attacked by accident.

 

“This morning I expected an animated finale,” Sagan added. “This was a race where many riders could have won, and I knew I had to wait to see how the competition developed. At the bottom of the final climb the reduced peloton started to set up the pace. When Chris Froome and Uran attacked, I thought it was too early for me to move.

 

"However, during the last descent I took advantage of the route without pedalling.  When Nibali and Uran caught me I thought it was a good idea to work together and try to get to the finish. It was a hard stage, but it made this win even more special. I am happy for myself, for Cannondale, and for my teammates who always help me in the best way possible.”

 

Sagan can expect to lose the leader's jersey tomorrow when the peloton tackles the mountaintop finish on Green Mountain.

 

You can read our preview of the race here.