MUSCAT : Oman will return to the international cycling spotlight this weekend as the Muscat Classic and the 15th edition of the Tour of Oman get underway, drawing many of the world’s leading riders to one of the Middle East’s premier early-season races.
The Muscat Classic, now in its fourth edition and part of the UCI ProSeries, will be held on Friday as a curtain-raiser to the Tour of Oman. The one-day race covers 179.165 km from Al Mouj to Al Bustan, mixing fast coastal roads with technical sections. Omani riders will take part in the Muscat Classic for the first time, aiming to gain experience at international level.
The Tour of Oman begins on Saturday with a 174.838 km opening stage from Muscat (Flagpole) to Hawiyat Najm in Qurayyat. Sunday’s second stage runs 193.442 km from Al Fayhaa in Samail to Jabal Al Sharqi in Al Hamra, followed by Monday’s 194.968 km stage from Rustaq Fort to Yiti Heights. Stage four on Tuesday links Al Sawadi Beach in Barka to Sohar over 151.263 km. The race concludes on Wednesday with the decisive queen stage from Nizwa to Jabal Al Akhdar, a 159.270 km climb that traditionally determines the overall winner.
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Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Saif Al Rushaidi, chairman of the Oman Cycling Federation and vice president of the Asian Cycling Federation, said the growth of both races underscored Oman’s emergence as a cycling destination.
“This is the 15th edition of the Tour of Oman, while the Muscat Classic has been upgraded as an international race,” he said. “It reflects the continuous development of these events and Oman’s suitability for cycling, with diverse terrain, strong infrastructure and community engagement.”
Ishaq Al Balushi of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth said the Tour’s impact extended beyond sport, citing its economic and tourism value and its role in positioning Oman as a host of major international events.
ASO deputy director of cycling Pierre-Yves Thouault praised Oman’s geography and organisation, while race director Frank Perqueux said the upgraded Muscat Classic would offer valuable UCI points and that the final climb to Jabal Al Akhdar would again be decisive.
Defending champion Adam Yates of UAE Team Emirates–XRG said he was pleased to return. “The climbs are tough, the heat adds another challenge and the race is always demanding,” he said.
Omani riders Mohammed Al Wahaibi and Said Al Rahbi said competing against top international teams would provide valuable experience, with ambitions including the Most Aggressive Rider classification.
Organisers said 18 teams and 146 riders have confirmed for the 2026 edition, including 11 UCI WorldTeams, up from nine last year. Participating teams include Team Visma | Lease a Bike, Alpecin–Deceuninck, Movistar Team, Groupama–FDJ, Soudal–Quick-Step, EF Education–EasyPost, Jayco AlUla and XDS Astana Team, alongside ProTeams and the Oman national team.
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