Taking place on 1st-3rd March the event will provide a professional road cycling experience to an international field of over 250 amateur cyclists. Riders have the opportunity to explore the unparalleled beauty and hospitality of the Sultanate with the extreme challenge of high-altitude mountain riding. With entry closing soon, cyclists around the world are racing to sign up for the Middle East’s first-ever Haute Route event.
Former F1 champion and Leger co-founder, Jenson Button will also be riding Haute Route Oman as the official event ambassador. “I can’t wait to take part in Haute Route Oman on what will be my second visit to the country,” he said. “I’m thrilled to be returning to ride what looks like a challenging but stunning course. It will be great to share the experience with Omani cyclists, as well as those from the Gulf region and riders from all over the world,” he added.
Roll up: Don’t miss the opportunity to sign up
Designed to highlight Oman’s natural beauty, the three-stage course will take cyclists 238kms with 5,500+ metres of climbing through the Hajar mountain range, on routes that will test stamina and skill with long, high-altitude, climbs and sweeping descents.Stage one begins at the Golden tulip – the top of Jebel Akhdar climb, (83.27Km, 3000M+) followed by stage two: Golden tulip – Al Hamra climb – Golden Tulip, (145.3KM & 2,300M+) and then stage three: Al Hamra – Misfat al Abriyyin, (9.3KM, 350M+).
The centrepiece of the Haute Route Oman experience is the brutal yet beautiful Jebel Akhdar – a 10.3% gradient climb that is not only one of the most formidable climbs in the world, but is also one of the most exclusive, as the road only opens for the professionals during the Tour of Oman. While the pros only venture halfway up ‘The Green Mountain’ Haute Route Oman will take riders up the winding roads to the summit of the climb and beyond.
In addition to riding the same roads registered riders will be treated like the professionals too, with expert rider services including motorcycle escorts, live timing, professional photography and post-stage meals. Participants will also be treated to a free set of bespoke Haute Route Omancycling jersey and bib shorts, courtesy of the event’s official clothing brand, Léger.
What: Haute Route Oman
Where: Al Hajar Mountain Range, Nizwa
When: 1st – 3rd March 2019
Contact: Register at hauteroute.org/events/overview/oman-2019