Oman is set for a cycling spectacle as the second edition of the Muscat Classic kicks off on February 9, on a 174.3 km course, and will be followed by Tour of Oman 2024 that will run from February 10-14.

The event will the participation of 17 teams of seven riders each, representing well-known teams from Asia, Australia, Europe and the US.

“It is great opportunity to welcome everyone in Muscat including the participating teams around the world, the international and domestic media, ASO team and the race officials,” said Chairman of Oman Cycling Association (OCA) Said Al Rashdi.

“The technical team delivered their level best to choose the proper routes that reflect the challenge of the race, Diversity of the topographic and show the beauty of our beloved country Oman.”

The one-day Muscat Classic event will be organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in coordination with Oman Cycling Association (OCA) and many government and private entities.

It will start from Al Mouj Muscat and finish at Al Bustan.

“The technicality of tour of Oman and Muscat Event draw the attention of the best cyclists around the world to take part in these both events. Muscat Classic is a new product that normally begin ahead of Tour of Oman,” said Al Rashdi.

“Special thanks for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and particularly to His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said for his support to renew the contract with the organising company of the race (ASO) and the assistance from the undersecretary beside the other government entities.”

Yann Le Moenner, CEO of ASO, affirmed that the 13th edition of Tour of Oman is entering a new era.

“This is an extension to our tight partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and OCA. One of the main purposes for this event is to develop the cycling sports in the Sultanate of Oman.

“Another advantage from this year’s race we will see the national cycling team for the third time. Last year, Oman’s cyclists went to France for an intensive training camp. They had trained and took part in some advanced competitive race to improve and get better,” he added.

He also affirmed that this is best way to discover the country on the cycles.

“Oman is a great cycling destination.  The main goal is to be here to strengthen and inspire young athletes in the future.”

Franck Perque, Director of Tour of Oman, said that the technical team of the race arrived in Oman during October and November.

“As part of the technical preparations for the tour of Oman, we came to Oman last October and beginning of November to design the routes. We managed to check all the selected routes pre the race.  In the first week of February, the technical team complete the set-up of the route before one week of the event’s start,” he added

The top-ranking cyclists will compete on four jerseys – the red jersey which is for general individual time classification; green jersey for general points classification; white jersey for best young rider classification; and the golden jersey for most aggressive rider classification. – TradeArabia News Service