The Belgian came just shy of a podium finish on stage 2 of the Tour of Oman, which was animated in the closing kilometers by teammate Niki Terpstra.
In 2016, Bob Jungels got his first victory in the Quick-Step Floors jersey in Al Bustan, after putting a 55-tooth chainring, attacking in final part of the stage and flying on the short descent to the finish at more than 100 km/h. Two years from that win, our team was again one of the main protagonists in Al Bustan, which witnessed the first shake up of the general classification at the ninth Tour of Oman.
The 167.5km-long stage was brought to life on the final climb, where 2014 Paris-Roubaix champion attacked and forced a selection. The 33-year-old Dutchman tried to go clear, but the strong headwind worked against him and soon Niki Terpstra found himself with several riders on his wheel.
Among the ones who made the cut was also Dries Devenyns, who returned to competition after finishing fourth at the Cadel Evans Road Race, two months ago. The Belgian sprinted for Quick-Step Floors on the slightly uphill finish to Al Bustan, finishing again just outside the podium on the stage won by Nathan Haas (Katusha-Alpecin), with teammate Niki Terpstra crossing the line in sixth, on the same time.
"We had an easy pace during the first part of the stage, which started with only 25 kilometers to go, when many riders got dropped. Niki attacked on the last climb, but with the headwind it was really difficult to make it. Then, Astana took the front and set a big tempo to prevent any other moves. Even without this, it would have been difficult to try something, because with the long road ahead it was hard to go anywhere. I am satisfied with the result and mainly with the form; the legs are good and I'm confident for the next stages", said Dries, who is sixth overall after two stages.
Photo: ©Tim De Waele/ Getty Images
