Jan Hirt: "From the beginning of this stage race I felt that I was one of the strongest climbers"

It was a special day for Jan Hirt who won his first race in over five years. The Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux leader for the Tour of Oman has rode another great performance but today he capitalized with a big win on the Green Mountain and the race lead.

The Czech climber has said after the stage: "From the beginning of this stage race I felt that I was one of the strongest climbers, so that’s why the stage win was our goal today. The whole team was very focused and motivated too succeed. No words can repay their sacrifices, they all contributed to make this victory possible."

After the Belgian team set it up on the final climb, Hirt made his move within the final two kilometers and managed to create a very sizeable gap to everyone who was behind. He extended his appreciation for the work his teammates played, "Without support of other teams, Kévin Van Melsen worked hard behind the early breakaway. The others protected me in the crosswinds and then set a high pace on the final climb to create my dream scenario."

"It was a perfect day. The leader’s jersey was the cherry on the cake, because I didn’t really expect to close the 1 minute gap with Masnada on this 6 kilometer climb. I’m feeling confident ahead of the final stage, surrounded by a strong team," he completed. Hirt is very likely going to seal the overall win tomorrow at Matrah Corniche, going into the final day with a minute exactly of lead over former race leader Fausto Masnada.