MUSCAT: Elite international cyclists take to the Muscat roads on Friday for the fourth Muscat Classic race as the Sultanate of Oman readies for the 15th Tour of Oman from Saturday.
The Muscat Classic, featuring on the UCI ProSeries calendar and serving as a curtain-raiser to the Tour of Oman, 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.
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, Qurayat, over 174.838 km. Stage 2, on Sunday, will take riders from Al Fayhaa, Samayil to the Al Jabal Al Sharqi, Al Hamra, covering 193.442 km. Stage 3 will follow on Monday, from Al Rustaq Fort to Yiti Heights (194.968 km), while Stage 4 on Tuesday will run from Al Sawadi Beach, Barka to Sohar (151.263 km).
The race will conclude on Wednesday with the decisive fifth and final stage, from Nizwa to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, spanning 159.270 km.
Speaking at the official press conference which took place on Thursday at the Grand Hormuz Hotel, Saif al Rushaidi, Chairman of the Oman Cycling Association and Vice-President of the Asian Cycling Federation, emphasised 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 Suhar,” he said.
Ishaq al Balushi, representative of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), 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 organisation 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 Al Jabal Al Akhdhar will once again be the race’s decisive moment.
GREAT TO BE BACK, SAYS YATES
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 Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, 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 World Teams, six Pro Teams, and one national team will compete.
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