The Tour of Oman
The Tour of Oman is an 848 kilometre cycle race taking in some of Oman’s most diverse terrain.
Between the 27th of January and the 24th of February, Muscat, the capital of , comes alive with a celebration of culture, colour and heritage in an occasion that marks a highlight in the city’s social calendar and which is one of the best events in Oman: The Tour of Oman – an 848 kilometre cycle race taking in some of Oman’s most diverse terrain.
Not for the faint hearted, this epic event is divided into 5 stages and involves 128 of the world’s top cyclists, divided into 16 professional teams. Several of these cyclists will also be competing in the Tour de France later in the year, thus proving just how challenging this event really is as they use it as their training run.
Last year saw the first edition of the race, won by Swiss cyclist Fabian Cancellara. Due to its massive success it’s back on for its second edition this year, running from the 15th to the 20th of February and offering up a prize of €112,000 which includes €9,200 for the overall winner.
Needless to say the route is going to push the riders to the limits taking in Muscat, Al Batinah, Al Dhakiliya and Al Dhahirah as well as a section of Jebal Akdhar (Green Mountain) - which is sure to sort out the men from the boys…
Hazards include water and flash flooding in the wadis, wildlife, boulders and soft sands as well as dehydration from the strong sun. On the flip side the views are amazing with vistas over the mountains and wadis and of Muscat itself and the ancient sea port of Sur. Not that most of them will notice however, as they power around the course at an average 40 to 50 km/h on the flat and an amazing 28 to 30 km/h on the hills…
