Muscat – The 15th edition of the Tour of Oman 2026 will begin with the Muscat Classic event on February 6 and will be followed by six approved race stages across the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, announced the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth at a press conference at the Grand Hormuz Hotel on Wednesday.
The press meet was attended by Saif bin Subaa al Rushiadi, Chairman of Oman Cycling Association (OCA) and Director of Tour of Oman, alongside Hisham bin Juma al Sinani, Director General of Sports Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Shaikh Mansour bin Suleiman al Nabhani, Director of Events and Awareness at Muscat Municipality in presence of local and international media representatives.
Al Rushiadi said that the Tour of Oman, first launched in 2010, witnessed remarkable growth over the years and has become one of the most prominent cycling races on the global calendar.
“The Tour occupies a prestigious position on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) agenda, reinforcing its status as a world-class sporting event,” he said.
As many as 18 international teams confirmed to take part in the 2026 edition, including Alpecin–Deceuninck, EF Education–EasyPost, Groupama–FDJ, Movistar Team, Jayco AlUla, Team Visma | Lease a Bike, UAE Team Emirates–XRG, Soudal–Quick-Step, XDS Astana Team, Lotto–Dstny, Uno-X Mobility, Cofidis, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, TotalEnergies, Tudor Pro Cycling Team, Caja Rural–Seguros RGA, Burgos BH, in addition to the Oman National Team.
Al Rushiadi announced the approved race stages which will begin with the Muscat Classic, running from Al Mouj to Al Bustan over a distance of 179.165 km. The opening stage will start from Muscat (Flagpole) to Hawiyat Najm, Qurayyat with a distance of 174.838 km on February 7 and followed by a stage two beginning from Al Fayhaa, Samail to Jabal Al Sharqi, Al Hamra with a total distance of 193.442 km on February 8. The third distance will begin from Rustaq Fort to Yiti Heights with a 194.968 km on February 9. The next stage will start from Al Sawadi Beach, Barka to Sohar with a 151.263 km distance on February 10. The concluding stage will begin from Nizwa to Jabal Al Akhdar, covering a distance of 159.270 km, on February 11.
Al Rushiadi emphasised that the Tour of Oman is not only a sporting competition but also a global platform promoting Oman’s tourism and cultural diversity through extensive international media coverage across five continents. “ The race routes are carefully selected to showcase the Sultanate of Oman’s scenic landscapes, from coastlines and mountains to historic cities, strengthening Oman’s image as a premier global destination,” he said.
“The Tour has become a key pathway for nurturing local talent, with several riders progressing to represent the national team, reflecting the event’s long-term developmental impact. The growing stature of the Muscat Classic, which has been elevated by the UCI to one of Asia’s top one-day races, ranking just behind Japan’s major event,” he added.
Hisham bin Juma al Sinani said that the 15th edition will represent a continuation of the Tour’s accumulated successes and confirms its standing among the world’s leading cycling events.
“Hosting 18 elite teams demonstrates the confidence international federations and teams place in Oman’s organisational capabilities. The Tour’s economic and tourism impact, contributing to local economies, boosting hospitality and transport sectors, and aligning with Oman Vision 2040 by supporting sports tourism and economic diversification.
Shaikh Mansour bin Suleiman al Nabhan, Director of Events and Awareness at Muscat Municipality, described the Tour of Oman as one of the Sultanate of Oman’s most successful global sporting events since its inception in 2010.
“The rapid technical and organisational development reaffirmed Muscat Municipality’s commitment to supporting the event and highlighting the cultural and natural beauty of Oman through its diverse race routes,” he said.
