A week marked by setbacks comes to an end

# Setbacks Mark the Conclusion of Tour of Oman for Groupama-FDJ United

The Tour of Oman concluded this Wednesday with a decisive finish at the summit of Green Mountain, a challenging climb that often determines the race’s outcome. Rémy Rochas crossed the finish line two minutes behind the stage and overall winner, Christian Scaroni, ultimately finishing 26th in the general classification. This result is seen as disappointing for Groupama-FDJ United, whose initial ambitions were hampered by illness and crashes at the start of the event.

Despite a seemingly straightforward final stage on paper, the competition quickly proved intense. After 150 moderately flat kilometers, it was anticipated that the climbers would take center stage on the daunting ascent of Green Mountain, which features a steep incline of 6 kilometers at a 10% gradient. The team attempted to capitalize on the early part of the race, with Thibaud Gruel trying to establish a strong position. “There was quite a fight at the start, a small breakaway group formed, and he was part of it, but they were eventually brought back. Then a group of five riders went clear,” explained sport director Thierry Bricaud. “After that, it was full gas all the way to the bottom of the final climb. There were no surprises.”

The pace at the beginning of the final climb was punishing, and despite Rémy Rochas’s determination, he had to adjust his pace early on. “Rémy had been ill shortly before Oman,” Thierry noted. “He was feeling better when he arrived here, but we knew he was lacking condition. He focused on doing a solid climb to build towards what’s next, like he did two days ago, but we were aware we couldn’t expect much from this day. There are no miracles. You don’t regain top form in just a few days.”

Finishing 33rd in the stage and slipping five places in the overall standings, Rochas’s performance reflected the difficulties the team faced. “If we look at the results, it’s obviously disappointing and that’s not what we came for,” Thierry commented. “However, when you look closer, we faced particular circumstances. Rémy was ill shortly before Oman and wasn’t at 100%, Rudy fell ill on the eve of the Muscat Classic, and we then had Brieuc abandon through illness and Josh due to a crash. That’s a lot.”

With several team members unable to compete, the focus shifted to finishing the race strongly. Despite the challenges, positive outcomes did emerge, most notably Thibaud Gruel’s exceptional performance, finishing in third place. “He showed that he is solid and ready for the start of the season. He leaves with confidence. The same goes for Baptiste, who is going very well and will return to racing with the Conti team,” said Thierry.

Reflecting on the week, he concluded, “We know cycling can easily go one way or the other, and you have to deal with less favorable circumstances.” As Groupama-FDJ United looks ahead, the team hopes to build on these experiences and push toward better results in future events.