Latest news with #MuscatClassic
Observer
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Olav Kooij takes Stage 1 sprint victory
Muscat: Dutch sprinter Olav Kooij opened the account for his team Visma-Lease a Bike in 2025 with the Stage 1 victory of Tour of Oman from Bausher to Bimmah Sink Hole on Saturday. The Dutch cyclist with time bonus of 10' edged past Pavel Bittner (6') of Picnic PostNL in second place and Erlend Blikra (4') of Uno-X Mobility in third to take the leader's red jersey after the 177.7 km opening stage of the 14th edition of Tour of Oman. The exciting bunch sprint finish at Bimmah Sink Hole saw 109 riders finish in the same time as the winner at four hours 27 minutes and nine seconds. Italian rider Andrea D'Amato of JCL Team Ukyo claimed fourth spot while Muscat Classic winner Rick Pluimers of Tudor finished fifth. Oman's Mohammed al Wahibi was among the 119 cyclists who finished the first stage as three riders did not start. Speaking after the win, Kooij said the race was tough as expected. 'There was more headwind than expected. In the strong sprint finish, I managed to end on top,' he said. Reflecting on his views on the 202.9 km second stage from Al Rustaq Fort to Yitti Hills – the longest in Tour of Oman – on Sunday, the Dutch youngster said it will be more for the punchers than the sprinters. 'I think tomorrow will be a hard day, the stage will be more for the punchers than the sprinters. But I'll try to keep the red jersey.' In the general classification after Stage 1, Kooij led followed by Pavel Bittner (+04') and Rodrigo Alvaro Rodriguez (+05') of Burgos Burpellet BH). A 120-strong peloton started the Tour of Oman 2025, with a five-man group opening up a gap in the first kilometre. Olav Kooij takes Stage 1 sprint victory OMANIS HIT THE FRONT Oman national team riders Mohammed al Wahibi and Said al Rahbi hit the front with Rodrigo Alvarez (Burgos Burpellet BH), Kane Richards (Roojai Insurance) and Mohamad Mohd Zariff (Terengganu). Their margin quickly grew to three minutes by the time that the peloton got to grips with Jabal Road (3.5 km at 9.2 per cent), the only categorised climb of the day, with 167 km to go. Zariff and Al Rahbi were dropped a kilometre from the top, leaving Al Wahibi, Richards and Alvarez to crown the ascent in this same order. The Spaniard got his own back 13 km down the road by taking the first intermediate sprint at Al Amerat. Zariff and Al Rahbi managed to get back to the front 151 km from the line, with the peloton five minutes back at that point. The peloton sprang into action, cutting the gap to 3′35″ with 140 km to go. Zariff gave up with 126 kilometres to go, first sinking back into the peloton and then abandoning the race altogether. Kooij's men brought the deficit below the two-minute mark 100 km from the line, only to ease up for a bit and keep the escapees dangling in front for a bit longer. The gap rose to 3′35″ and then fell back to 1′10″ as the peloton got its first glimpse of the finish line with 41 km left. Kane Richards, stepped up the pace with 37 km to go, leaving everyone but Alvarez in the dust. The Australian and the Spaniard fought gallantly, but they were reeled in with 25 km to go, shortly after Richards took the intermediate sprint. The Groupama–FDJ train propelled David Gaudu to third place, which came with a one-second time bonus. From there on, it was a bunch sprint all the way to the finish, with Olav Kooij prevailing in the final rush to the finish line. Tour of Oman Stage 1 results Rank, Rider, Country, Team, Time 1. Olav Kooij, Netherlands, Team Visma|Lease a Bike, 04:27:19 2. Pavel Bittner, Czech Republic, Team Picnic PostNL, + 00 3. Erlend Blikra, Norway, Uno-X Mobility, + 00 4. Andrea D'Amato, Italy, JCL Team Ukyo, + 00 5. Rick Pluimers, Netherlands, Tudor Pro Cycling Team, + 00 6. Fernando Gaviria, Colombia, Movistar Team, + 00 7. Anthony Turgis, France, Team Total Energies, + 00 8. Emilien Jeanniere, France, Team Total Energies, + 00 9. Luca Giaimi, Italy, UAE Team Emirates, + 00 10. Nizzolo Giacomo, Italy, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, + 00
Times of Oman
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Kooij triumphs in Stage 1 of 2025 Tour of Oman, claims leader's jersey
Muscat: Olav Kooij delivered a stunning victory for Visma-Lease a Bike in the opening stage of the 2025 Tour of Oman on Saturday, clinching first place in a thrilling sprint finish at Bimmah Sinkhole. The Dutch sprinter's triumph marked his first win of the season, his 37th career victory, and an assertive start to the race as he donned the inaugural red jersey. The 177.7-km stage unfolded under the scorching desert sun, beginning in Bausher and heading towards the coastal finish at Bimmah Sinkhole. After a tactical battle, Kooij outpaced Pavel Bittner (Picnic PostNL) and Erlend Blikra (Uno-X Mobility) in the final metres, securing the victory ahead of a fast-charging peloton. An early breakaway featured four riders - Mohammed Al Wahibi and Said Al Rahbi from the Oman national team, Rodrigo Álvarez (Burgos Burpellet), and Kane Richards (Roojai Insurance) - who gained a lead of over three minutes. However, the peloton, led by Visma-Lease a Bike, ramped up the pace and reeled in the breakaway as the race neared the final 50km. Visma-Lease a Bike's team tactics proved crucial, as Kooij expertly followed Fernando Gaviria's (Movistar) wheel into the final sprint. "We really wanted to go for the stage, and we took control," Kooij said after the race. "The team gave me a great lead into the last 500 metres, and I launched my sprint at just the right moment." Despite the setback of missing key rider Jørgen Nordhagen due to illness, Visma-Lease a Bike celebrated a successful stage, a win made even more significant after strong performances in the Muscat Classic, where the team showed signs of sprint readiness. As the peloton raced along the plains of the Sea of Oman towards the finish, the final sprint became a battle for positioning. Teams like Picnic PostNL, Movistar, and Uno-X positioned their sprinters well, but Kooij's late surge proved unstoppable. "I could follow Gaviria's wheel and use it to my advantage," Kooij noted, adding, "We're in the lead jersey now, and we'll enjoy this one." With this win, Visma-Lease a Bike now leads the race, with Kooij wearing the red jersey ahead of Sunday's stage. The 2024 Giro d'Italia stage winner lived up to his reputation as the man to beat on Saturday. This was his first victory of the season, his maiden win in Oman, and his 37th career victory. A 120-strong peloton started the 14th Tour of Oman, with Jørgen Nordhagen (Visma–Lease a Bike) and Harm Vanhoucke (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) on the DNS list. The flag went down at 11:42 am under the harsh sun shining on Bausher, on the outskirts of Muscat.
Observer
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Pluimers bags maiden pro win at Muscat Classic
Muscat: Rick Pluimers of the Netherlands bagged the top honours in the third edition of Muscat Classic race ahead of the Tour of Oman, on Friday. The Tudor Pro Cycling Team (Switzerland) rider completed the 170.3 km road race from Al Mouj Muscat to Al Bustan in 4 hours 16 minutes and 50 seconds to win the race, held in a pleasant weather. The Dutch cyclist leapfrogged the winner of the opening Muscat Classic, Belgian Jenthe Biermans (Arkea–B&B Hotels) and Eritrea's Henok Mulueberhan (XDS Astana), who finished in second and third places respectively. 'It's a super nice way to win my first pro victory. I knew I was one of the fastest riders in the group so I only focused on my sprint,'' Pluimers said, attributing his win to the hard work put in by the team. Tudor Pro Cycling Team's Netherland rider Rick Pluimers celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the one day Muscat Classic cycling race. in Muscat on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) As many as 28 riders had the same time including fourth-placed Diego Ulissi of Astana and Groupama's Tom Donnenwirth of France. Ninety riders completed the race while 24 cyclists couldn't finish and three did not start. This was the third edition of Muscat Classic, a one-day race that began as warm-up act for the Tour of Oman in 2023. The race witnessed rolling barrage of attacks as the peloton, reduced to under 30 units, reeled in the lead group consisting of Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates), Ruben Guerreiro (Movistar) and Chris Harper (Jayco–AlUla) in sight of the line. In the end, the precocious Rick Pluimers (Tudor) prevailed in the bunch sprint and bagged the first professional win of his career. Tudor Pro Cycling Team's Netherland rider Rick Pluimers (C) poses on the podium after winning the Muscat Classic cycling race ahead of second place Arkea B&B Hotels Team's Belgian rider Jenthe Biermans (L), and third place XDS Astana team's Erythrean rider Henok Mulueberhan (R), in Muscat on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) 114-STRONG PELOTON A 114-strong peloton rolled out from Al Mouj Muscat, with Jorgen Nordhagen (Visma–Lease a Bike), Tim Naberman (Picnic PostNL) and Davide Cimolai (Movistar) not making the start. Adne van Engelen (Terengganu) jumped out of the peloton with his teammate Mohamad Mohd Zariff and Rasmus Bogh Wallin (Uno-X Mobility). Their margin soon grew from 1′30″ at km 10 to 4′30″ at km 23 before peaking at 7 minutes at km 30. After the gap hit 6′45″, UAE Team Emirates and Visma–Lease a Bike traded turns at the front of the peloton. As the race reached 73 km, the first slopes whittled the breakaway down to two men after the 2022 Malaysian national champion lost contact. Wallin was gapped by Van Engelen on the ascent to Bausher-Al Amerat but managed to reconnect on the descent. Their advantage dipped below the 2′30″ mark at km 85. The Dutchman finally got rid of the Norwegian for good on the Hamriyah climb (km 111). The start of the final circuit encouraged several riders to try their luck. Kanter (XDS Astana), Boulahoite (TotalEnergies) and Azparren (Q36.5) flew past Van Engelen at km 127. The Q36.5 Spaniard hit the front of the race, only to be undone in turn by Lorenzo Germani (Groupama–FDJ), who launched a solo move from 34 km out, half a minute ahead of the peloton. Tudor Pro Cycling Team's netherland rider Rick Pluimers (3rd L) celebrates with teammates after winning the Muscat Classic cycling race, in Muscat on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) NEW QUARTER A new three-man group consisting of Vine (UAE Team Emirates), Reinderink (Soudal Quick-Step) and Harper (Jayco–AlUla) counter-attacked and caught Germani with 17 km to go. The newly formed quartet held a 25-second margin over the peloton going into the final 10 km. The Italian youngster racing for Groupama–FDJ ran out of steam with 6 km to go. Ruben Guerreiro (Movistar) stormed out of the peloton and linked up with Vine and Harper at the front. However, with just 7 seconds to spare with 2 kilometres to go, it was not to be. A much-reduced peloton took charge, leaving Pluimers for the final kill on the false flat leading to the finish line and fly to his maiden win as a professional rider. The pack rides during the Muscat Classic cycling race, in Muscat on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP) Muscat Classic results Position, Rider, Country, Team, Time 1. Rick Pluimers (Netherlands) Tudor Pro Cycling Team 04:16:50 2. Jenthe Biermans (Belgium) Arkea-B&B Hotels + 00 3. Henok Mulubrhan (Eritrea) XDS Astana Team + 00 4. Diego Ulissi (Italy) XDS Astana Team + 00 5. Tom Donnenwirth (France) Groupama-FDJ + 00 6. Valentin Paret-Peintre (France) Soudal Quick-Step + 00 7. Davide Toneatti (Italy) XDS Astana Team + 00 8. Ivan Cortina Garcia (Spain) Movistar Team + 00 9. Mauri Vansevenant (Belgium) Soudal Quick-Step + 00 10. Stian Fredheim (Norway) Uno-X Mobility + 00
Observer
07-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
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.
Times of Oman
06-02-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Traffic restrictions announced for Tour of Oman 2025
Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) Directorate of Relations and Security Information has announced partial traffic closures on Friday, February 7, 2025, to facilitate the Muscat Classic stage of the Tour of Oman 2025. According to the ROP, the race will begin at 10:30 AM from Al Mouj Muscat, covering a detailed route that includes: Seeb Corniche Road Al Mabela Bridge Al Nuzha Roundabout Muscat Expressway Rusayl-Nizwa Road Al Ansab, Ghala Village, Al Amerat, and Al Mahaj Junction Wadi Adai, Al Hamriyah, and Qantab Al Bustan Roundabout, Al Wadi Al Kabir, Sheraton Hotel, and Ruwi Roundabout The race will conclude in front of the Council of Oman. The ROP has prohibited parking on both sides of roads along the race route and has advised motorists to plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
