Lotto Dstny’s Maxim Van Gils Places Sixth Overall in Tour of Oman

Lotto Dstny rider Maxim Van Gils has secured a solid sixth place in the general classification of the Tour of Oman, a prestigious UCI 2.Pro cycling race. Van Gils, a 23-year-old Belgian, showcased his climbing skills by finishing fifth on the challenging final stage, which featured a summit finish on the steep Green Mountain. With four top ten finishes in five days, Van Gils can reflect on a successful start to his season.

In regards to the grueling final stage, Van Gils confessed, “Today was the toughest stage of them all and I was a bit scared to be honest, as such steep long climbs are usually not really my cup of tea.” However, he displayed determination and managed to keep up with the front group. Although he had to give up one place on the overall classification, Van Gils is satisfied with his performance. He commented, “With four top ten spots at the Tour of Oman and a sixth overall, I can’t really complain.”

Reflecting on his progression, Van Gils expressed his satisfaction with his climbing abilities, stating, “I feel that I made some good progression in my climbing abilities, something I sometimes struggled with in the past seasons.” He credits the style of racing in the Tour of Oman for his success, as it aligns with his strengths. Looking ahead, Van Gils has his sights set on the French one-day races Faun-Ardèche and Drôme Classic, followed by the highly anticipated Strade Bianche in Tuscany.

Maxim Van Gils’s consistent performances in the Middle East serve as a testament to his growth as a cyclist. His achievements in the Tour of Oman add to his impressive track record, including his stage and overall victory at the Saudi Tour last year.

Images: Photo News – Vincent Kalut.