Denmark’s Charmig wins to take Tour of Oman lead

QURAYYAT, Oman: Danish rider Anthon Charmig powered to victory in the third stage of the Tour of Oman on Saturday to take the overall lead from Mark Cavendish. The Uno-X man beat Jan Hirt at the top of the short final climb at Qurayyat.

The 23-year-old Charmig is now four seconds ahead of Czech Hirt at the top of the overall standings, with Portugal’s Rui Costa eight seconds further back. Cavendish struggled on a difficult day for the sprinters, finishing 82nd on the stage to slip down the rankings.