If you are Adam Yates, today was the kind of day that makes you want to throw your head unit into the Gulf of Oman.
The 2026 Muscat Classic served up its usual menu of punchy climbs and desert heat, but the story wasn’t the terrain—it was a tactical masterclass by Team Jayco AlUla.
Swiss champion Mauro Schmid took the win in Al Bustan, out-sprinting Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) after his teammate—and apparently, roommate—Luke Plapp softened the Brit up in the finale to take third.
The decisive moment: It all kicked off on the steep slopes of Al Jissah (1.1km at 9.3%) with 5km to go. After Jayco’s Paul Double shredded the group, Yates launched a signature seated acceleration that would have dropped 90% of the WorldTour. Unfortunately for him, Schmid and Plapp were in the 10% that could hold the wheel.
The “Roommate” Tactic: Once clear, the Jayco duo worked Yates over. Plapp attacked with 2km remaining, forcing Yates to burn a match to close the gap. That left the door wide open for Schmid—who packs a far punchier sprint than a pure climber like Yates—to finish the job.
It is Jayco’s second win of the season, and it sets a spicy tone for the Tour of Oman, which kicks off tomorrow. If today was the appetizer, Yates will be looking for revenge when the main course hits Green Mountain.
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