Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Tom Boonen, in his first race of the 2013 season, finished 5th in a bunch sprint finish of the 162km first stage of Tour of Oman on Monday.
The race came down to a bunch sprint after a breakaway (no OPQS riders), which escaped in the very first kilometer of the race, was caught with 16km remaining. After that, it was a preparation for best sprint position.
Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) won the stage, with Davide Appollonio (Ag2R La Mondiale) placing 2nd and Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) finishing 3rd.
OPQS looks next to a 146km stage 2 on Tuesday.
