With a decisive attack, Mauro Schmid took a dominant win at the 2026 edition of the Muscat Classic.
Luke Plapp made it two Team Jayco AlUla riders on the podium, taking third after already setting up the Swiss champion for the victory.
The script was a classic one, with a long breakaway marking the day before the race heated up over the final, steep climbs. It was at this point that Paul Double and then Schmid, along with Plapp, made their initial selection.
Double dropped back after doing a big turn to put the reduced bunch under pressure on the final climb, leaving Schmid and Plapp to go clear with Adam Yates. The chasers were never far behind, but they gained enough of an advantage over their pursuers to finish first and third.
The teamwork between Schmid and Plapp was the decisive move that led the team to its second victory of the season after Michael Matthews’ in Spain at the end of January.
There’s no rest for the wicked, and Team Jayco AlUla will be back in action again tomorrow as the Tour of Oman kicks off.
Mauro Schmid:
“It feels great to win here. I knew the race suited my characteristics very well and I knew I was in good shape after the races in Australia. We were very motivated for today’s race, and I have to say everything was perfect. I knew I had to reach the top of the last climb, either alone or with a small group, and then focus on doing well in the sprint. Having Luke with me was crucial because it allowed me to prepare for the sprint as best as possible.”
Luke Plapp:
“Today was perfect. Me and Mauro are roommates here and we’ve been speaking about it for the last few days. Exactly what we said to each other happened. We said it would be perfect if we went away with Adam Yates and then Mauro could beat him in the sprint. It was a case of being patient. With the hot weather, it was making it harder and there were big gaps by the last climb. I think everyone was quite tired by the time we got to the finish. In the end, we rode it perfectly to take the win. It’s a great result for the team.”
Valerio Piva (sport director):
“We had a precise plan, and everything worked out perfectly. We had decided to battle on the final climb, and Paul Double took the lead, followed by Mauro and Luke. What can I say? This trip to Oman couldn’t have started better!”
2026 Muscat Classic results
- Mauro Schimd (Team Jayco Alula) 04:14:36
- Adam Yates st
- Luke Plapp (Team Jayco Alula) +04
