07.02.2025
Rick Pluimers sprints to his first professional victory at today’s one day race Muscat Classic (UCI 1.1) in Oman. The team was well positioned when the pace in the peloton picked up within the last 50km. In the finale it came down to a reduced bunch sprint where the 24-year-old Dutch perfectly timed and launched his sprint to grab a staggering first professional victory. Team work, dedication and timing - it all aligned for Rick on the finish line in Muscat today. A great first pro win and a memorable day for Rick Pluimers.
Rick on his first pro win and a tough day in the hills around Oman's capital city: “It’s super nice to finish off the hard work my team has put in today and of course it’s amazing to secure my first pro victory here. Cycling may look like an individual sport sometimes but it definitely is a team sport. Everyone on the team was needed to take this win today, the boys invested a lot during the race and now we’re celebrating together. I’m happy I made it over those steep climbs and also didn’t suffer too much in the heat to ultimately sprint for the win.“
Sports Director Sylvain Blanquefort shares the tactical approach for the race and explains how Rick's win evolved from his perspective: “Rick was our leader for today and the plan was to set him up in the best possible position on the final kilometers. The riders showed proper team work today and really raced as a unit. We really had a perfect timing in the finale. Larry was pulling hard to bring back the breakaway and Marco stayed with Rick to ultimately launch a lead-out for him. It’s a great win and I’m really proud of how we raced here!“
Next up for the team in Oman: the 5-day stage race Tour of Oman (UCI 2.Pro) kicks off tomorrow.