The 139km second stage in the Tour of Oman ended in a bunch sprint for the second day in a row. Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Tom Boonen finished 3rd.
Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) took the stage win in front of Leigh Howard (Orica-GreenEdge), who took over the overall lead.
A four rider breakaway was caught with 20km after OPQS helped with the chase, but crosswinds had split the field. Despite the windy conditions, the race headed for a group sprint finale.
OPQS looks next to a 145km Stage 3 from Bank Muscat to Al Bustan. Climbers have their first chances in this stage, with the Climb of Al Hamriya and the Climb of Al Jissah inside the final 25km of the stage.