MUSCAT – The announcement was made during a press conference held in Muscat.

Saif Saba’a Al Rashidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Cycling Association and Director of the Tour of Oman International Cycling Race, said the Tour, launched in 2010, has witnessed remarkable development over the years, establishing itself as one of the world’s leading cycling races and a key fixture on the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar.

Al Rashidi explained that the 2026 edition will open with the Muscat Classic, running from Al Mouj to Al Bustan over a distance of 179.165 kilometres. The first stage of the Tour will start from the Flagpole in Muscat Governorate and end at Hawiyat Najm in Qurayyat (174.838 km). The second stage will run from Al Fayha in Samail to Jabal Al Sharqi in Al Hamra (193.442 km), followed by the third stage from Al Rustaq Castle to the heights of Yiti (194.968 km). The fourth stage will begin at Al Suwadi Beach in Barka and conclude in Sohar (151.263 km), while the final stage will start in Nizwa and finish at Jabal Al Akhdar (159.270 km).

He noted that the Tour of Oman has grown beyond a sporting event to become a global platform for promoting tourism and culture, with extensive international media coverage reaching audiences across five continents. The carefully selected routes showcase the Sultanate’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, strengthening Oman’s position as a premier destination for sports tourism.

Al Rashidi added that the inclusion of Omani cyclists in the national team through the Tour reflects one of its key achievements – developing local talent capable of competing regionally and internationally. He described the current edition as a milestone marking the maturity of the Tour after 15 editions, firmly establishing its status on the global cycling map.

Highlighting the Muscat Classic, Al Rashidi said the race has been classified by the UCI as one of Asia’s leading one-day continental races, second only to Japan’s equivalent event. He stressed that raising its classification enhances Oman’s international presence and attracts elite cyclists and world champions.
Hisham bin Juma Al Sinani, Director General of Sports Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the 2026 edition builds on the Tour’s accumulated successes and consolidates its standing as one of the most prominent events on the international cycling calendar. He added that hosting 18 elite teams reflects the confidence international federations place in Oman’s organizational capabilities and the professionalism of Omani youth in managing major sporting events.

Mansour bin Sulaiman Al Nabhani, Director of the Events and Awareness Department at Muscat Municipality, described the Tour as one of the Sultanate’s most successful international sporting events. He affirmed Muscat Municipality’s continued support through organizational and awareness initiatives, in partnership with government and private entities, to ensure the event reflects the cultural image of Muscat and promotes sports tourism across the Sultanate.