Finn Fisher-Black wins Muscat Classic following demolishing uphill attack

UAE Team Emirates are racing close to home and wanted to make an impact at the Muscat Classic. Finn Fisher-Black won the hilly race with a strong solo attack which earned him a tight victory.

The Omani race began with a breakaway of three riders: Manabu Ishibashi, Aiman Cahyadi and Irwandie Lakasek. A very modest breakaway, but one that gathered over 10 minutes of lead over the opening part of the race.

BORA - hansgrohe did a lot of the pulling and it was with an exact plan in mind. In one of the few hilltops the riders had to face, former junior World Champion Emil Herzog launched an attack with 46 kilometers to go.

Throughout the following kilometers the German built a nice gap, which was sustained over the following kilometers despite seeing a lot of counter-attacks behind.

Herzog was caught in the final climb with 6 kilometers to go as UAE Team Emirates pushed the pace hard to attack the race. A clear plan, Finn Fisher-Black launched a powerful attack near the summit which no-one could follow. The Kiwi went solo over the summit of the climb.

The peloton caught some speed in the following kilometers as a few sprinters resisted, but the UAE Team Emirates still had an extra gear and managed to withstand the approaching group. It was his first win of 2024. Luke Lamperti and Amaury Capiot sprinted to second and third behind.