Pellaud powers to Wadi Darbat win, takes Tour of Salalah lead

SALALAH: Simon Pellaud made his move when it mattered most.The Swiss rider of Li Ning Star timed a decisive acceleration on the final climb to Wadi Darbat to win Stage 2 of the 2026 Tour of Salalah on Monday and take the overall leader’s red jersey. Pellaud outduelled Colombia’s Edison Alejandro Callejas in a punishing uphill finish, with France’s Antoine Huby taking third as the Swiss rider seized control of the General Classification.The 108-kilometre route from Dahariz Beach to Wadi Darbat offered little respite. The race began along Salalah’s coastline before turning inland towards the rugged Dhofar mountains, with the climbs through Aqabat Hashir and Towai Atair providing the major tests before the finish at Wadi Darbat.The battle intensified as the riders headed towards Aqabat Hashir and Towai Atair.The demanding terrain gradually fractured the peloton, with the strongest climbers and attackers moving to the front as the race entered its decisive phase.By the time the riders reached the final ramps into Wadi Darbat, only a select group remained in contention for victory.Pellaud remained patient.The Swiss rider timed his final effort perfectly, launching his decisive acceleration in the closing kilometre. Callejas stayed within striking distance, but Pellaud had enough left to hold off the Colombian and claim a memorable stage victory. Huby followed to secure third.Red jersey changes handsPellaud’s victory lifted him into the overall lead, with Li Ning Star also taking the stage team classification.The Swiss rider was awarded the gold jersey for leading the General Classification and the green jersey for leading the points classification.It marks a significant turnaround after Sunday's opening stage, when Pellaud finished third behind Jeroen Meijers and Carter Bettles, with Meijers taking the gold and green jerseys. After two stages, Pellaud has moved to the front of the overall battle, with the race now entering its toughest mountain test.Jabal Samhan awaitsThere is no time for the peloton to recover.Stage 3 on Tuesday will cover 156 kilometres from Taqah Castle to Jabal Samhan and is the longest stage of the Tour of Salalah. It is expected to provide another major test for the overall contenders.Pellaud will now have to defend the gold jersey against riders looking to claw back time on the climbs.Wadi Darbat may have crowned a new leader, but Jabal Samhan could determine whether he can keep the crown.SECOND STORYOman hockey team hopes tomake impact at Asian GamesTimes News ServiceMUSCAT: Oman will open its Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games men’s hockey campaign against China on September 18, as the national team departed for Japan determined to make an impact and push beyond its established seventh-place benchmark at the continental Games.Following the opening Pool B match against China at Gifu, Oman will meet heavyweights Malaysia on September 22. They then take on Uzbekistan on September 24, followed by Thailand on September 26 before clashing with former world champions Pakistan on September 28. The men’s hockey tournament will be from September 18 to October 3 in Gifu, Japan, while the wider Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games run through October 4.Oman’s campaign comes with a clear historical target. Seventh place remains the team’s best-ever finish at the Asian Games, a position it has reached five times — in 1982, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.The seventh-place finish in Hangzhou three years ago was secured after Oman defeated Bangladesh 4-3 in the classification match.That record provides both a foundation and a challenge for the current generation. Oman have consistently established itself among the teams capable of competing for the upper places outside Asia’s traditional powerhouses, but Aichi-Nagoya offers an opportunity to turn that consistency into a higher finish.The team travelled to Japan on Monday night for the final phase of its preparations and will train in Kakamigahara City from September 5 to 14.The programme will focus on technical and physical readiness, team cohesion and the tactical plans the coaching staff intends to employ during the Games.The preparations will also include a series of friendly matches against Japan. Those games are expected to give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the squad in competitive conditions, fine-tune its tactical approach and make final adjustments before Oman launch their Asian Games campaign.The opening assignment against China will provide an immediate test. China finished fourth at the Hangzhou Asian Games, making the September 18 meeting an important early measure of how far the Omani side has progressed since the last edition.Oman’s delegation is headed by Majid Al Hooti, with Khalil Al Balushi as manager and Mohammed Hoobais Al Shar as head coach. Salah Al Saadi is the assistant coach, and Ghassan Al Hasani is the goalkeeping coach.Oman squad: Aliyas Al Noufali, Asama Barazahan, Akram Ashoor Bait, Khalid Al Shaaibi, Aiman Faraj Madit, Mohammed Al Noufali, Alkhoder Al Noufali, Sanad Sbeit, Fisal Ambork Alloun, Maitham Al Wahaibi, Aseel Al Maaini, Khalid Al Hasni, Fahad Al Lawati, Ahmed Al Naabi, Rashad Al Fazari, Rashid Al Alawi, Ibrahim Al Farsi and Al Baraa Al Nofli.