Fausto Masnada: "I tried just one time and it turned out to be the right moment"

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl leader at the Tour of Oman Fausto Masnada capitalized on a great performance and team strenght to put the rest of the field into a serious disadvantage heading into the queen stage of the race.

“Today was such a hard stage, but we rode as a team and that’s what made the difference in the end. Mauro did an amazing race, he was superb today, attacking and putting pressure on the others, before helping me in the final part of the stage, after getting caught. I can’t thank him enough for his effort and great job!” Masnada said in a post-race interview.

After having Mauro Schmid attack the race early on and put the rest of the field under pressure during the day, Fausto Masnada found himself on a position where he didn't have to work throughout the day. Nevertheless he couldn't put in distance on anyone in the final climb to Al Jabal street, but it was on the beginning of the descent that he made his move and made it stick.

“I knew that the descent would be important, a key point of the race, and that’s where I made the move. I tried just one time and it turned out to be the right moment. As soon as a gap opened, I just pushed as hard as possible to increase my lead. I worked hard the entire winter, so to be rewarded for it with a win so early in the season feels incredible. The fact that now I also have the red jersey on my shoulders it’s a big bonus. Monday we will try to do our best to defend this jersey," he added.

Masnada went on to stabilize and increase the gap over the chasing group including former race leader Anthon Charmig. He arrived at the finish 1:07 minutes before and has gained enough time to go into the queen stage up Green Mountain with a confortable gap.