As the breakaway was caught just before the start of the 2.5 lap Matrah Corniche circuit, it was obvious a bunch sprint was likely at 144km Tour of Oman Stage 6.

However, Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Tom Boonen had to fight through adversity to get himself a top 10 finish. Boonen suffered a puncture, and still managed to work his way back to the bunch close to the second intermediate sprint.

As riders were getting dropped left and right due to a blistering pace inside the final 3km, OPQS was still in the hunt for the stage. It was Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ) who won the stage, with Matthew Goss (Orica-GreenEDGE) placing 2nd and Taylor Phinney (BMC Racing Team) finishing 3rd. Boonen finished 7th.

Chris Froome (Sky ProCycling) won the overall of Tour of Oman. Zdenek Stybar of OPQS was the top finisher in the GC, in 12th place.

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19/01/2012
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