Greipel grabs Oman lead

Al Bustan - Germany's Andre Greipel took over the lead in the Tour of Oman after the Lotto rider claimed Thursday's third stage, a 145km ride from Muscat to Al Bustan.

Greipel got the better of Slovakia's Peter Sagan and Nacer Bouhanni of France in a sprint finish.

The winner already of Tuesday's first stage Greipel prised the leader's red jersey from Australian Leigh Howard.

Results of the Tour of Oman third stage, a 145km ride from Muscat to Al Bustan on Thursday:

1. Andre Greipel (GER/Lotto) 3hr 29min 08sec, 2. Peter Sagan (SVQ) s.t., 3. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA) s.t., 4. Ben Swift (GBR) s.t., 5. Marco Canola (ITA) s.t., 6. Zdenek Stybar (CZE) s.t., 7. Frnacesco Gavazzi (ITA) s.t., 8. Zakkari Dempster (AUS) s.t., 9. Matteo Trentin (ITA) s.t., 10. Enrico Battaglin (ITA) s.t.

Overall standings

1. Andre Greipel (GER/Lotto) 10hr 44min 20sec, 2. Leigh Howard (AUS) at 8s, 3. Alexander Kristoff (NOR) 10, 4. Peter Sagan (SVQ) 14, 5. Nacer Bouhanni (FRA) 16, 6. Tom Boonen (BEL) 16, 7. Tony Gallopin (FRA) 19, 8. Alessandro Bazzana (ITA) 19, 9. Ben Swift (GBR) 20, 10. Daniele Bennati (ITA) 20