Muscat: The first stage of the international tour, held as part of the Dhofar Khareef events, saw 90 professional cyclists from local, regional, and international teams compete along the 108-kilometer route from Ain Razat to Khor Rori. Jassim finished first, followed by Mathias Brygenhoy of Malaysia’s Terengganu Cycling Team in second place and Sarawut Seri Ronachai of the Thai national team in third.

At the post-race ceremony, Khair Eddine Berbari, President of the Algerian Cycling Federation, presented the awards. Jassim swept the standings, earning the gold jersey for overall leader, the green jersey for points classification, and the white jersey for the under-23 category. Oman’s Mohammed Al Wahaibi also shone, receiving the gray jersey.

Ishaq bin Abdullah Al Balushi, Director of the Salalah International Tour, highlighted that the race’s inclusion in the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar reflects its growing global recognition and Oman’s ability to host events to international standards. He emphasized that the tour not only promotes Dhofar as a premier tourism destination but also provides opportunities for Omani youth and volunteers to gain hands-on experience in organizing major sports events.

The 2025 edition features 15 teams from within Oman and abroad. Beyond cycling, it is designed to support sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and logistics while showcasing Salalah’s appeal as a global tourist hub.