Explosive start to the Omani campaign
# Dynamic Opening for Groupama-FDJ in Oman
This Friday marked an exhilarating commencement for the Groupama-FDJ United Cycling Team as they launched their campaign in Oman with the highly anticipated Muscat Classic. After facing challenging terrain characterized by steep ascents, Thibaud Gruel finished in fifteenth place as part of a rigorous chasing group. The team is poised to kick off the national tour tomorrow.
Similar to last year’s opening, the Omani racing began with a one-day event that saw nearly 2,000 meters of elevation gain in the latter half of the course. Competitors confronted several steep climbs during the final hour, culminating in the crucial Al Jissah ascent (1 km at 9%), located just under five kilometers from the finish line. Team sports director Thierry Bricaud explained, “The goal at the start was to go all in with Thibaud, because the finish suited him well in the event of a final similar to previous years, where a small group contested the win.”
The intensity of the race escalated markedly when the peloton approached Al Jissah for the first time, with forty kilometers remaining. As they navigated the climbs, the battle for position heated up. Entering the final ten kilometers, Thibaud Gruel still had most of his teammates at his side, who worked diligently to position him for the day’s last obstacle. “The guys did what they had to do,” Thierry assured.
However, once the Al Jissah climb began, the competitive spirit surged, and a standout rider emerged. Thierry noted, “Josh tried to follow the attacks, with a slight delay, but he was there. It’s good that he dared to go for it; it will give him confidence for what’s next.” New Zealand climber Josh struggled to maintain pace but managed to hold on temporarily against rivals Luke Plapp, Mauro Schmid, and Adam Yates, who ultimately broke away nearing the summit. “As usual, the climb was ridden very hard, and the wind after the summit was a bit more favourable than last year,” Thierry reflected, aiding the trio’s successful escape.
With Schmid crossing the finish line first, a chasing group of about thirty riders was clocked fifteen seconds behind. Within that group, Thibaud Gruel secured a fifteenth-place finish. “Thibaud wasn’t as sharp as he would have liked in the sprint,” Thierry admitted. “It’s a shame because he had the legs to do better. Collectively, there’s not much to complain about; the guys executed what we had planned.”
As the team prepares for the Tour of Oman, they await further assessments concerning Rudy Molard, who, unfortunately, was unable to start the race due to illness. The team’s resilience and strategy in Oman point towards a promising campaign ahead.
