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Former F1 Racer Jenson Button to take part in Haute Route Oman cycling event

  • Ron 

Ex-F1 driver Jenson Button has always been an avid cyclist, and has participated in many events including the 2014 St Tropez to Monaco Charity Ride. He rode with his McLaren teammates, along with several professional cyclists. Now retired he is focusing his energy even more on cycling, and will compete in the first ever Haute Route Oman.

This cycling event will feature amateur cyclists from all over the globe in a three-day ride through Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range. The highlight obviously is the iconic climb up Jebel Akhdar, which has long been the biggest challenge of the Tour of Oman. It is a good thing Button loves challenges, and cycling through the Al Hajar mountain range and up its infamous Green Mountain is a big draw for him. After all, he is known for pushing his body to its limits, even competing in the 2017 Ironman Triathlon championship. He was, unfortunately, disqualified for — surprise, surprise! — speeding on his bike.

In addition, Button has a vested interest in Haute Route Oman. His clothing brand, Léger, will be worn by the participants.

“I am delighted that Léger has been selected as the official cycle clothing supplier for Haute Route Oman,” Button said. “Léger was born out of friendship and enjoyment which makes Haute Route Oman a perfect partner. We believe the best moments in life are shared, and what better way to showcase this than riding through the majestic mountains of Oman.” Alongside promoting his brand he is just as excited about taking part in the event: “I can’t wait to take part in Haute Route Oman”. He then pointed out that participating in the event will be a great experience not only for him, but for everyone involved.

Although Button is challenging himself on two wheels, he still races cars regularly. The 2009 F1 champ is now with Honda and last year won his first Super GT Championship, as well as competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He is also still actively involved with F1 and will be a TV pundit alongside Nico Rosberg this year.

Button will be a perfect fit, as he isn’t one to mince his words. ESPN reported that he called out his old team McLaren last year, and said they should not have claimed that they had the best car. His views turned out to be correct as the team finished 6th in the Constructors Championship. That disappointing season is now being reflected in the predictions for this year’s standings, with bwin Formula 1 putting them as fifth favorites for the Constructors Championship 2019. The team hasn’t won a Constructors Championship since 1998 nor won a Driver’s Championship since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. It is likely that Button will have more strong opinions this year.

Evidently, fast cars remain Button’s priority. But his commitment to bikes definitely isn’t far behind, and his support for the Haute Route Oman, is good for the sport.

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