Mauro Schmid claimed his second victory, storming to win stage three of the Tour of Oman and taking first place on GC. The Swiss champion, with the help from teammate Paul Double hit the front with 2 kilometres to go, trying to control a Nairo Quintana that launched several attacks. With the Colombian caught with a few hundred meters to go, Schmid launched his sprint to take the victory.
“This victory is for the team; without the help of my teammates, I couldn’t have won. I was also very lucky to avoid two crashes in the finale, and then on the final climb, Paul was superb.”
-Mauro Schmid
“My job was to set the pace for Mauro and try to close in on Quintana, who had attacked in the finale. It goes without saying that Mauro is in great shape, and we’ll all work hard to try and secure the overall victory.”
-Paul Double
“To be on the podium in a race. To win. The instinct is there, and even as the dog grows old, its sense of smell never fades. I feel young again, thanks to all the teammates who fill me energy and happiness on the bike, and that happiness would be even greater if I could be on a podium.”
-Nairo Quintana shares his ambition for 2026.
The 36-year-old Colombian veteran attacks with 2 km to go only to be caught just 300 metres from the finish line.