Peter Velits finished second at Tour of Oman Stage 5, losing to Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) after Nibali attacked on Green Mountain with 5km remaining. The climb featured a 13.5% gradient for the final 2km of a 158km race. Velits, however, earned the red leader's jersey on Saturday by 1 second. He was 15 seconds ahead of Nibali in the general classification (GC) going into stage 5, in 13th place. Nibali was in 26th place.
It was a very hot stage on Saturday — so hot, riders were allowed to receive bottles until the final 8km of the race.
The peloton chased down a six rider breakaway with 15km remaining, and Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team drove the peloton onto Green Mountain from there.