Mihkels finished 24th in Muscat's one-day race
Estonian cyclist Madis Mihkels placed 24th in the Muscat Classic one-day race held in Oman.
Madis Mihkels, the reigning national champion in group cycling from Estonia, achieved a 24th place finish in the Muscat Classic, a one-day cycling race in Oman. The race, part of the UCI 1.Pro category, covered a distance of 176.2 km. Swiss cyclist Mauro Schmid claimed victory in a dramatic finish, edging out British rider Adam Yates and Australian Luke Plapp, with Mihkels finishing in the main group that trailed the winner by 15 seconds.
Mihkels expressed satisfaction with his performance, considering the challenging nature of the race, particularly the last steep climb where he struggled with tailwind conditions. He managed to complete the race within a group of around 30 riders, although he was unable to contest for a podium position due to fatigue on the final hill. This event highlights his notable status among elite cyclists despite not finishing in the top tier this time.
Looking ahead, Mihkels is set to start the Oman Cycling Tour, which is a UCI 2.Pro event taking place shortly after the Muscat Classic, indicating his ongoing commitment to racing and competitive cycling in the region. His participation in these international races signifies the growing prominence of Estonian cyclists on the global stage, contributing to the sport's development in Estonia.