Tour of Oman Preview
(c) DAVID FURST/AFP/Getty Images
The Middle East is adding another jewel to its sporting crown at the start of 2010, the Tour of Oman. Following the success of the men’s Tour of Qatar, which has become the immutable start of the competitive cycling calendar, from 14 to 19 February 2010, the peloton will discover the Sultanate of Oman and its warm and welcoming people. The country’s rich landscape offers riders and spectators a challenging race, framed by breathtaking views ranging from sea to mountains. The riders will blaze through the five consecutive stages of the competition, before culminating in the time trials in the streets of Muscat, the country’s capital.
The 16 participating teams and their star riders:
- Belgium
- Quick Step: Boonen (BEL)
- OmegaPharma-Lotto: Gilbert (BEL)
- TopSport Vlaanderen-Mercator
- Italy:
- Liquigas-Doimo: Bennati (ITA)
- The Netherlands:
- Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team: R.Feillu (FRA)
- Russia
- Team Katusha: Pozzato, Napolitano (ITA)
- Switzerland
- Cervélo Test Team: Hammond (GBR), Haussler (GER)
- USA:
- BMC Racing Team: Ballan (ITA)
- Team Columbia-HTC: Cavendish (GBR)
- Team Garmin-Transitions: Farrar (USA)
- Trek Livestrong
- Denmark:
- Team Saxo Bank: Cancellara (SUI), JJ.Haedo (ARG)
- France:
- AG2R La Mondiale: Mondory (FRA)
- Saur-Sojasun: Casper (FRA), Engoulvent (FRA)
- Germany:
- Team Milram: Knaven (NED), Ciolek (GER)
- Great Britain:
- Team Sky: Boasson Hagen (NOR), Flecha (ESP)
The Route:
| Stage | Type | Date | Start and Finish | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | En ligne | Sunday 14 February | Muscat Corniche/Muscat Corniche | 61 km | |
| 2 | En ligne | Monday 15 February | Nizwa/Samail | 148.5 km | |
| 3 | En ligne | Tuesday 16 February | Saifat Ash Shiekh/Qurayyat | 124 km | |
| 4 | En ligne | Wednesday 17 February | Ibri/Nakhal | 187 km | |
| 5 | En ligne | Thursday 18 February | Wattayat/Sultan Qaboos Stadium | 148 km | |
| 6 | ITT | Friday 19 February | Al Jissah/Muscat Corniche | 18.5 km |
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