Rabobank’s Dutch sprinter Theo Bos blasted past some of the world’s fastest finishers to score a big win at Tuesday’s opening stage of the Tour of Oman. Bos, a four-time world champion on the track, has been transitioning to road racing, and Tuesday’s win over accomplished riders including Mark Cavendish (second) and Edvald Boasson Hagen (fourth) bodes well for his 2011 campaign.

“It’s a huge satisfaction to win,” Bos told Cyclingnews.com after scoring the win on his Giant TCR Advanced SL. “Now I hope I can stay at this level and continue to compete against the best sprinters in the world.”

Bos was aided by a strong leadout from his Rabobank teammates, including Aussie Graeme Brown. He made his move 150 meters from the finish line and held off Cavendish for the win.

The stage win netted Bos a 10-second time bonus, giving him the overall race leader’s red jersey heading into Stage 2 on Wednesday. The six-day Tour of Oman, which was first held last year, will conclude on Sunday. Challenges ahead include a steep climb to the finish in Jabal al Akhndar on Stage 4 and an 18.5km time trial on Stage 5.