February 21 – Peter Sagan and
Cannondale Pro Cycling has officially entered the 2014 cycling season with an
incredibly successful Tour of Oman. The Slovakian Champion left his first mark
of the season during the Asian stages race claiming the fifth stage win,
mimicking 2012 and 2013. In addition to taking a stage win, Sagan leads the
General Classification ahead of Omega Pharma-Quick Step’s Rigoberto Uran (10th)
and Astana’s Vincenzo Nibali (14th).
Sagan also conquered the
fourth and longest stage (173km) of the Tour of Oman – Wadi al Abiyad-Ministry
of Housing. Sagan won with a powerful sprint breaking away from fellow peloton
escapees Uran and Nibali. The three riders attacked at 5 km to go and set up
the pace until they reached the finish line. The bunch, which included
Cannondale Pro Cycling’s Moreno Moser, who placed 10th, reduced the
gap in the final kilometer of the stage.
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.”
“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.”
