Muscat classic race all set to begin today
MUSCAT: The 'Muscat Classic' race will kick off on Friday marking its third consecutive edition. The one-day race will serve as a prelude to the official start of the 'Tour of Oman 2025' cycling competition, which will begin on Saturday under organisation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in collaboration with the Oman Cycling Association (OCA) besides several public and private entities. The Tour is set to showcase Oman's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Ahead of the 'Muscat Classic' event start, the kids will compete for the first time at 'Tour of Oman 2025' which is dedicated for the riders aged between 7 to 12 years. The young riders will have their route inside Al Mouj Muscat. On the other hand, the route of the 'Muscat Classic' will start from Al Mouj Muscat as the riders will navigate through some of the country's most scenic landmarks. The route takes them along the Seeb Corniche, through Al Amerat's Mountain Road and back towards Darsait passing through Wadi Kabir. The race continues towards Yiti and Qantab before heading left from Al Bustan Roundabout towards Sidab, concluding in front of the State Council. Covering a total distance of 171 kilometres, the race is classified as a top-tier one-day event in Asia with the winner earning 125 points in the global rankings. The last year's winner was New Zealand rider Finn Fisher Black from UAE Team Emirates.
Muscat classic race all set to begin today
According to OCA officials, the upcoming editions of the 'Muscat Classic' will be upgraded to a 'Pro Series' event. This would increase the points awarded to the winner from 125 to 200, attracting even more elite cyclists to compete for the prestigious title.
The officials of the French company Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) who are running the 'Tour of Oman 2025' in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and OCA unveiled the details of the 'Muscat Classic' and 'Tour of Oman 2025' in a press meet on Thursday.
Frank Perqueux, Race Director of the 'Tour of Oman 2025,' said that the meticulous preparations undertaken in recent months. 'The race committee explored various routes across Oman to finalise the five-stage course ensuring compliance with international standards set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The diverse geography of Oman allows for multiple route options providing a dynamic and competitive racing environment,' he added.
Muscat classic race all set to begin today
'The efforts are made to ensure road safety and readiness of infrastructure. After selecting the routes, we conducted final inspections to confirm their safety and coordinated with relevant authorities for necessary maintenance work to prevent any hazards for the cyclists. In general, most routes are in excellent condition with high-quality asphalt,' he clarified.
The Tour of Oman has consistently drawn top international cyclists due to its status as a UCI-accredited event. 'This race provides the ideal competitive environment, with favourable weather conditions and well-planned routes that cater to the athletes' technical and physical capabilities,' Perqueux added.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) has played a significant role in facilitating the event in collaboration with ASO, ensuring continuous improvements in logistics, technical aspects and administration. Each edition of the Tour has witnessed record-breaking performances, further cementing Oman's reputation as a prime cycling destination.
Muscat classic race all set to begin today
124 CYCLISTS
A total of 124 cyclists from 18 world-class teams representing Europe, Asia, America and Australia will compete in this year's race. The teams are divided into five categories including World Teams like: Arkea-B&B Hotels (France), Movistar Team (Spain), Soudal Quick-Step (Belgium), Jayco AlUla (Australia), Groupama-FDJ (France), Visma Lease a Bike (Netherlands), UAE Team Emirates, Astana Qazaqstan Team (Kazakhstan) and DSM-Firmenich PostNL (Netherlands). The Pro Teams category will include: Burgos-BH (Spain), Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team (Switzerland), Total Energies (France), Uno-X Mobility (Norway), and Tudor Pro Cycling Team (Switzerland) while Continental Teams will feature: JCL Team Ukyo (Japan), Roojai Insurance (Thailand) and Terengganu Cycling Team (Malaysia) besides Oman National Team.
The 'Tour of Oman' in this edition will comprise from five thrilling stages and it has gained widespread popularity becoming a prominent fixture in the global cycling calendar. The Tour has consistently attracted some of the sport's biggest names, enhancing its prestige and competitive appeal.
Muscat classic race all set to begin today
The opening stage on Saturday will start from Muscat College in Bausher and pass through Muscat Hospital Roundabout, Bausher intersections and Al Ameen Mosque. The race continues towards Khuwair, Al Qurum, Sultan Qaboos City, Ruwi, and onto the Bausher-Al Amerat Road before heading towards Qurayat. Cyclists will then descend towards the Fins coastline, concluding the stage at Hawiyat Najm Park.
The Stage two on Sunday will be for distance of 203 km as it kicks off from Rustaq Fort and traverses through Al Awabi, Nakhal, and Wadi Al Maawil before reaching Fanja. The route continues through Al Ansab, leading to Yiti and ending with a challenging climb at Yiti Hills.
The third stage will begin on Monday for overall distance of 181 km as the cyclists will start from Fanja in the Wilayat of Bidbid, passing through Samayil and Izki before heading towards Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. The stage will test the riders' endurance with its mountainous terrain, concluding at the Eastern Mountain.
Muscat classic race all set to begin today
The fourth stage on Tuesday will run for 181 km as this stage will begin at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah and moves through several key landmarks before reaching the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. The route includes sections through Izki and Bidbid, and various hilly terrains, making for an exhilarating challenge.
The concluding stage on Wednesday will go for 139 km distance as the riders will begin in Imty in the Wilayat of Izki and heads towards Wadi Dama-Samayil, passing through key locations such as Yurokh and Al Hamida before reaching Birkat Al Mouz. The race culminates in a dramatic finish at the base of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, providing a thrilling conclusion to the Tour.
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