MUSCAT: The third edition of thrilling Tour of Salalah cycling race is all set to enthral the cycling enthusiasts and public alike through its four competitive stages from September 10 to 13.
The UCI-calendar event will begin from Khor Rori in Salalah for a 123.7 km first stage to finish at Ayn Ishat.
Nearly 100 cyclists will compete in the Tour of Salalah 2023 with four stages across the picturesque terrain of the land of the frankincense.
World Tour ranking top three riders Kenny Nijssen of the Netherlands (UCT) and Euseibo Pascual (Spain) of BCA and Ahmed Naser (Bahrain) lead the impressive field in Salalah.
A total of 522 km will be covered in this edition, which will be keenly contested by 13 teams.
Three top continental teams – Bahrain Cycling Academy (Bahrain), Universe Cycling Team (the Netherlands) and Storck-Metropol Cycling (Spain) – will join the action with national teams of Algeria, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, hosts Oman and Iraq in the event which will conclude on September 13.
Two cycling clubs from Oman – Cycle KOM and Oman Royal Army – will contest with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club (UAE) for the club honours.
The third edition of the Tour of Salalah is organised in accordance with the regulations of the International Cycling Union (UCI). The Tour is organised by Oman Cycling Association and supported by Dhofar Municipality.
Paul Willcox, captain of Cycle KOM, said it would be a huge task in Salalah, as they will be competing as the champions of the Oman Cycling Association League from last season.
The second stage from Sadah Beach to Hajeef will cover 148 km, the third stage covers 104 km from Al Haffa Souq to Wadi Darbat and the Tour will conclude with a 147 km race from Ain Razat to Ittin Public Park.
PRIZE MONEY
A total prize money of 6,625 Omani rials would be won during the Tour of Salalah 2023. The Classification of the Stages will present RO 2,540, general individual time classification (RO 1,265), points classification (RO 445), young rider classification (RO 445), most aggressive rider (RO 445) and team classification (RO 422).
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