Thursday 14 / November / 2024
Muscat: The highly challenging route for the 2019 Tour of Oman's six stages will take riders through some of the Sultanate's best coastal and mountainous attractions, a look at the event's map reveals.
The event will kick-off with Stage 1 on 16 February 2019, its 138.5 kilometres long course starting in Al Sawadi Beach in Wilayat Barka and concluding along the Suhar Corniche. The course will pass through Al Mussanah, Al Suwayq, Al Khaburah, and Saham.
The 156.5 kilometre Stage 2 held the day after will challenge riders by taking them through the mountains of Oman, from the Royal Cavalry Oman to Al Bustan. Riders will face a number of elevated climbs, including in Fanja, Bausher, Al Hamriyah, and Al Jissah.
Stage 3 will also present a number of formidable obstacles, as teams battle along the 192.5 kilometres from Shatti Al Qurum to Wilayat Qurrayat. Once again, riders will have to confront climbs in Bausher, before heading south towards Al Hajir and Al Fleij. Two climbs in Qurrayat will have to be faced as the course twists to its conclusion.
On 19 February 2019, riders will face the daunting 131 kilometres Stage 4 linking the stunning beaches of Al Yiti to the state-of-the-art Oman Exhibition and Convention Centre (OCEC).
Taking place in the Governorate of Ad Dakhiliyah, Stage 5 will take teams through the wondrous mountains of Oman, testing them from Samail to Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
The race will conclude on 21 February 2019 along the beautiful coastline of the Sultanate. Beginning in Al Mouj Muscat, teams will once again take on a taxing climb in Hamriyah and Al Jissah. The race will end along the Muttrah Corniche.
The 10th edition of the Tour of Oman will feature teams from around the world. Participants include some of the world of cycling's biggest stars such as Brandon McNulty, Jesús Herrada, and defending champion Alexey Lutsenko. Alexander Kristoff, who has the most stage wins in Oman with 8 victories in 9 participations, is another man to watch as he looks to add to his tally of victories.
The seaside finishes are expected to favour Nacer Bouhanni, André Greipel, Bryan Coquard and Sonny Colbrelli. However, climbing specialists such as Domenico Pozzovivo and Mathias Frank will relish the challenge presented by Oman's mountains. As in previous years, Al Jabal Al Akhdar could prove critical in determining the overall winner of the event.
The confirmed teams include:
Europe: AG2R La Mondiale (FRA), Cofidis Solutions Crédits (FRA), Direct Energie (FRA),Team Arkea-Samsic (FRA) , Vital Concept-B&B Hotels(FRA), Delko Marseille Provence (FRA), Roompot-Charles (NED), CCCTeam (POL), Wanty–Groupe Gobert (BEL), Sport Vlaanderen–Baloise (BEL), Wallonie-Bruxelles (BEL), Euskadi Basque Country-Murias (ESP), Team Katusha Alpecin (CH).
Asia: Astana Pro Team (KAZ), UAE Team Emirates, Bahrain Merida
USA: Rally UHC Cycling
South Africa: Team Dimension Data
