Breakaways, top ten’s and overall positivity for Team Novo Nordisk in Oman

Over six days of racing and five breakaways Team Novo Nordisk racked up a top ten finish in the opening sprint with Andrea Peron, a welcome return to form by leader Charles Planet and impressive debuts by neo-pros Filippo Ridolfo and Jan Dunnewind.

Dunnewind kicked it all off on stage one before crashing cruelly out the next day with a broken collarbone for company and a ticket home to recover. Experienced Irishman Stephen Clancy came next with an impressive 100km plus stint up the road with only one Euskadi rider for company.

Italian’s Umberto Poli and Ridolfo picked up the baton before Gerd de Keijzer proved he really is over those knee problems by making it five out of six on the final stage, with Planet putting it all behind him with a superb finish from a very reduced peloton on the tough closing circuits.

Gerd de Keijzer:

“It was great! The first couple stages for me it was all about helping Andrea for the sprints and protecting Charles by getting them bottles all day and keeping them out of the wind, today there was a good change again for the break and I took it straight away, I broke away straight from the gun and had a nice group and worked great together.”

“I missed it so much, it was amazing getting back into the mix again with the preparation for the sprint and now experiencing again being in the break, couldn’t wish for a better start for the season.”

Charles Planet:

“Today quite a punchy stage actually with the climb coming before the circuits at the end and also three times over a sharp ramp on the laps, but I felt really good and as the group got smaller, I was able to stay there and fight for a top 20 at the end.”

“Actually, it’s been almost one and a half years since I felt like this, good legs and in the first group fighting for a result. It’s a really good feeling to be getting stronger and gives me a lot of confidence for the next races.”

Gennady Mikhaylov:

“So that’s it. First race down and almost a full house from the breakaway. We only missed one stage and it was arguably the hardest of the race, and everyone has an off day. We’re pleased with what we produced here at the Tour of Oman, especially for our first appearance at the race. I think we left a good impression and to see all the guys do their jobs well and achieve their objectives leaves me with a strong feeling of optimism for our next races.”