MUSCAT, SEPT 7
Swiss rider Simon Pellaud of Li Ning Star took over as the leader of Tour of Salalah 2026 after winning Stage 2 in Salalah on Monday.
Pellaud romped home in two hours 19 minutes and four seconds in a sprint finish in the 102 km second stage from Dahariz Beach to Wadi Darbat. The top nine cyclists clocked the same time.
Colombian rider Edison Alejandro Callejas of Roojai Insurance Winspace came second while Frenchman Huby Antoine of 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines finished third.
The Li Ning Star team was awarded the title of best team in the stage. Pellaud received the golden jersey, sponsored by the Dhofar Municipality, for leading the overall standings. He also received the green jersey, sponsored by Mohsin Haider Darwish Company, for leading in points.
Stage 1 winner Eduardo Sepulveda of Li Ning Star received the grey jersey (the aggressive rider), sponsored by Badr Al Samaa Hospital.
Indonesia’s Fadhil Nur Dimas Rizki from the Jakarta Pro Cycling team retained the white jersey, sponsored by Oman Oasis, for the young rider (under-23 category).
The winners of the top positions were crowned at the conclusion of the second stage by Saif bin Seba'a Al Rashidi, Chairman of the Oman Cycling Association.
CLOSE CONTEST
The second stage began at Al Dahariz Beach, passing through Al Dahariz Roundabout towards Al Maamoura Roundabout, then to Mirbat Roundabout, then to Aqabat Hashir, then towards Tawi Atir, passing through the Ghadbah turnoff, and finally reaching the finish line in Wadi Darbat.
The third stage, the longest of the Tour covering 156 km, will be held from Taqah Castle to Jabal Samhan on Tuesday.
This will be the most challenging stage of the tour, starting in front of Taqah Castle, proceeding along Taqah Street, passing through Madinat Al Haq Roundabout, then towards Mirbat Roundabout, then to Aqabat Sahl Ashour, then towards Tawi Atir, then back to Madinat Al Haq Road, then to the Jabjab turnoff, then back to Madinat Al Haq, then to Jabjab, then towards Ain Hamtouk, and finally returning to Tawi Atir, passing through Jabal Samhan Road to the finish line overlooking Jabal Samhan.
OMANI REFEREES HOG LIMELIGHT
Omani referees Saud al Rawahi and Sultan al Rawahi are prominently featured on the officiating team for the sixth edition of the Tour of Salalah, organised by the Dhofar Municipality in partnership with the Oman Cycling Association. The presence of the two Omani referees at this international event reflects ongoing efforts to enhance the participation of national talent in managing and organising major championships.
Saud al Rawahi and Sultan al Rawahi play a crucial role within the Tour's refereeing system, monitoring the competitions and ensuring adherence to regulations and technical instructions. They also contribute to maintaining order during the race, guaranteeing fairness and safety for all participants, especially given the diverse stages and varied terrain, which demand highly competent and prepared on-site referees.
The presence of Saud and Sultan in the Tour reflects the growing confidence in Omani refereeing expertise and underscores the importance of continuing to invest in referee training and giving them the opportunity to participate in international championships. Field experience is a crucial part of developing referees and enhancing their ability to handle different situations under the pressure of competition.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
The medical aspect is considered one of the most important organisational pillars in cycling races, given the high level of preparedness this sport requires to deal with various emergencies and potential injuries during competitions. In the sixth edition of the Tour, Nasser al Sulaimi, a physiotherapist at the Royal Hospital, plays a prominent role in managing the medical aspect and contributing to providing a comprehensive system aimed at maintaining the safety of cyclists and participants throughout the event.
The international event necessitates high-level organisational, technical, and medical requirements commensurate with the nature of the competition and the intensity of its stages. Al Salimi and his colleagues on the medical team play a pivotal role in monitoring the health and medical needs of the participants, ensuring the readiness of the medical intervention system throughout the race, and coordinating with relevant teams to guarantee a rapid response to any emergencies that may arise along the tour routes. This enhances safety and security standards and instils greater confidence in the event's organisational structure among the cyclists and participating teams.
The medical aspect is of paramount importance in cycling races, given the unique nature of the sport, which requires covering long distances at high speeds on routes with varying terrains and weather conditions. This makes the presence of a qualified medical team capable of quickly and professionally addressing injuries or cases of physical exhaustion essential for the success of any international race.
The prominent presence of Nasser al Sulaimi at the Tour of Salalah reflects the importance of utilising national expertise in managing the medical aspects of major sporting events.
Tour of Salalah Stage 2 results
(Read as rank, rider, country, team and timing)
1. Simon Pellaud (Switzerland) Li Ning Star 2:19:04
2. Edison Alejandro Callejas (Colombia) Roojai Insurance Winspace 2:19:04
3. Huby Antoine (France) 7Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines 2:19:04
4. Tegshbayar Batsaikhan (Mongolia) Roojai Insurance Winspace 2:19:04
5. Calum Johnston (United Kingdom) Li Ning Star 2:19:04
6. Stéfan Bennett (France) Li Ning Star 2:19:04
7. Eduardo Sepúlveda (Argentina) EuroCyclingTrips – CCN 2:19:04
8. Adne van Engelen (Netherlands) Terengganu Cycling Team 2:19:04
9. Samuel Niyonkuru (Rwanda) Team Amani 2:19:04
10. Callum Ormiston (South Africa) The Joyrun & Hurricane Cycling Team 2:19: 23
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