Editorial

We are proud to announce an exciting new addition to the professional cycling calendar. 2010 will be another benchmark year in competitive cycling as it extends into new territory. The Middle East has proved to be the ideal t errain for the start of the cycling season, its climate nd geography being ideal for the competitors’ requirements at this time of year. It has therefore been an almost destined development to add a date in the Middle East. The world’s cycling champions will have the chance to put their talents to the test in the richly varied landscape of the Sultanate of Oman. The race will take place over six days, from February 14th to 19th 2010, throughout which, each stage will offer challenges and opportunities for cyclists to excel at their different skills. The cyclists, and with them, the spectators, will be able to travel through the capital Muscat, and the coastlines, plains and highlands of the Sultanate. The “Green Mountain”, Jebel Akhdar, whose summit rises to nearly 3,000 metres, will provide a majestic backdrop to the varied stages that will make up the race. The Omanis, for their part, have eagerly embraced the challenges posed by hosting an international sporting event, and are proud to showcase their country to visitors and sport fans worldwide. They will welcome the cycling elite with open arms and great professionalism, bringing together all the ingredients for a truly memorable event. This fi rst edition of the Tour of Oman, we are certain, will brand an indelible mark on the international cycling calendar. We hope you will join us in witnessing these exhilarating events.

H.E. Eng. Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi
Head of Muscat Municipality and The Municipal Council

Christian Prudhomme
Director of the Tour de France