Carrick on Suir's Sam Bennett has backed up his stage win in Qatar last week with a top 10 finish on the opening day of the Tour of Oman.
The Bora – Argon 18 rider finished 8th in the uphill sprint finish in Muscat behind stage winner Andrea Guardini of the Astana team.
His teammate Patrick Konrad was involved in an early break which sees him lead the Young Rider classification where Bennett lies 6th.
Time bonuses gained in intermediate sprints has Konrad 3rd overall.
