Thursday 05 / February / 2026
Muscat: Oman is set to once again take center stage on the international cycling calendar as the Muscat Classic and the 15th edition of the Tour of Oman get underway this weekend, bringing together the world’s elite cyclists for one of the region’s premier sporting events.
The Muscat Classic, now entering its fourth edition, will take place on Friday, featuring on the UCI ProSeries calendar and serving as a prestigious curtain-raiser to the Tour of Oman, which will run from Friday. The Muscat Classic will cover a challenging 179.165 km route from Al Mouj to Al Bustan, combining fast coastal roads with technical sections that test riders’ endurance and tactical skills. Oman’s cyclists will attend the Muscat Classic race for the first time and will look to gain the required experience.
Since its launch in 2010, the Tour of Oman has established itself as a key early-season race for professional teams worldwide. The Tour of Oman will officially begin on Saturday, with the opening stage running from Muscat (Flagpole) to Hawiyat Najm, Qurayyat, over 174.838 km. Stage Two, on Sunday, will take riders from Al Fayhaa, Samail to Jabal Al Sharqi, Al Hamra, covering 193.442 km. Stage Three will follow on Monday, from Rustaq Fort to Yiti Heights (194.968 km), while Stage Four on Tuesday will run from Al Sawadi Beach, Barka to Sohar (151.263 km). The race will concludes on Wednesday with the decisive Queen Stage, from Nizwa to Jabal Al Akhdar, spanning 159.270 km, widely regarded as the ultimate test of the race.
Speaking at the official press conference which took place on Thursday at the Grand Hormuz Hotel, Saif Al Rushaidi, Chairman of the Oman Cycling Federation and Vice President of the Asian Cycling Federation, emphasized the event’s continued growth.
“This is the 15th edition of the Tour of Oman, while the Muscat Classic has now been upgraded as an international race. This reflects the continuous development of both events and confirms Oman as an ideal destination for cycling, with its diverse terrain, high-quality road infrastructure, and strong community engagement across Muscat, Al Khuwair, and Sohar,” he said.
Ishaq Al Balushi, representative of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, highlighted the wider impact of the Tour. “The Tour of Oman is not just a race; it has significant economic, tourism, and social value. It forms a key part of Oman’s sporting calendar, alongside major events taking place in February, and contributes to positioning Oman among the top destinations for international sports events,” he noted.
Pierre-Yves Thouault, Deputy Director of Cycling at ASO, expressed his delight at returning to Oman. “ The geography here is exceptional, offering a variety of routes suitable for climbers and champions preparing for major races. Safety, hospitality, and organization are of the highest standards,” he said.
Race Director Frank Perqueux described the Muscat Classic as a special and upgraded edition, offering valuable UCI points, and reaffirmed that the final stage to Jabal Al Akhdar will once again be the race’s decisive moment.
Defending champion Adam Yates of UAE Team Emirates–XRG said he was pleased to return to Oman. “It is great to be back. The climbs are tough, the heat adds another challenge, and the race is always demanding. Hopefully, it will be a good week,” he said.
Omani riders Mohammed Al Wahaibi and Said Al Rahbi expressed confidence and ambition, highlighting the valuable experience gained by competing alongside the world’s top cyclists and aiming for strong performances, including the Most Aggressive Rider classification.
From the coastal roads of Muscat to the dramatic ascent of Jabal Al Akhdar, the Muscat Classic and Tour of Oman 2026 promise six days of world-class racing, showcasing Oman’s natural beauty, sporting excellence, and growing reputation on the global cycling stage.
A total of 18 teams representing 146 riders confirmed participation in the 2026 edition, including 11 UCI WorldTeams, two more than in 2025, highlighting the growing prestige of the event. Among the teams taking part are UAE Team Emirates–XRG, Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Alpecin–Deceuninck, Movistar Team, Groupama–FDJ, Soudal–Quick-Step, EF Education–EasyPost, Jayco AlUla, and XDS Astana Team, alongside ProTeams and the Oman National Team. In total, 126 riders representing 11 WorldTeams, six ProTeams, and one national team will compete.
