Oman Cycling: Merckx pulls out of Tour of Oman organising team, says report

Sports Saturday 18/November/2017 18:16 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman Cycling: Merckx pulls out of Tour of Oman organising team, says report

Muscat: Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx has pulled out of the organising team of the Tour of Oman.
According to news posted on cyclingpub.com, Merckx confirmed this to Belgium’s Dutch language newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws and ‘the reason for this decision is unclear’.
“The Tour of Oman will definitely take place safely in 2018, but without me,” the five-time Tour de France winner said.
“I have nothing more to do with it,” he added.
The newspaper claims that the decision is likely caused by a disagreement between Merckx’ business partner Dirk De Pauw and the local organisers.
Merckx even hinted at potentially snubbing the start of the 2019 Tour de France, which is set to take place in Brussels.
“I am disillusioned with the ASO. Extremely disillusioned. Before I appear at the Tour in 2019, there must be serious discussion.”
Merckx was one of the driving forces of the creation of the Tour of Oman in 2010.
The race has since been won by riders like Fabian Cancellara, Chris Froome and Vincenzo Nibali.