EDITORIAL | Basil bin Ahmed Al-Rawas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth
February 2 nd 2022 - 14:00 [GMT + 4]
Welcome back! I’m very pleased to announce that after a long two-year wait, the Tour of Oman is being held once again. From 10th to 15th February 2022, some of the best cyclists from around the world will be competing in this phenomenal six-day stage race, bringing with them the eyes of the world.
The Tour of Oman saw its inaugural edition held in 2010 with the renowned Swiss cyclist Fabian Cancellara winning the first race. Since then, winners like Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali and most recently, Alexey Lutsenko have turned the Tour of Oman into an internationally acclaimed event. This year’s race is expected to be broadcast in 190 countries around the world!
The unparalleled natural terrain of Oman provides a stunning venue for the race, taking the teams of riders from our beautiful coastline to the heights of Jebel Akhdar. While the challenges of our landscape will push all the riders to their limits, I’m particularly proud of Oman’s National Cycling team who will have the opportunity to test their will, determination and stamina alongside other elite riders in their home country.
I would very much like to thank the officials of the international governing body for cycling, Union Cycliste Internationale; Oman cycling Association the event organisers, Amaury Sport Organisation; our media partners and all our sponsors for their unwavering support in making the Tour of Oman an ongoing success.
After the challenges we’ve all been through over these past two years, it’s wonderful to be able to hold events like this once again. Along with this though, I ask that everyone attending the event do all they can to keep one other safe by following all applicable Covid-19 rules and guidelines. The more conscientious we all are about this, the better off we will all be.
I hope that you enjoy the race, but above all, I hope you are inspired – whether you’re a young athlete inspired to try competitive cycling, a spectator from another country inspired to learn more about Omani culture or an adventure seeker inspired to explore the natural wonders of our country for yourself, I hope the Tour of Oman expands your vision of what is possible.
Basil bin Ahmed Al-Rawas
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth
