Oman’s magnificent Al Hajar mountain range will offer riders of Haute Route Oman, some of the most challenging climbs in the cycling world – notably the daunting ascent of the iconic Jebel Akhdar, which tested and delighted those who took part in the first-ever event early this year.
The three-day challenge will be 260km with 5,500m+ of climbing and the focal point of stages 1 and 2 will be the formidable twin peaks of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Hatt, which rival iconic global climbs such as Mount Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez and Pesso Dello Stelvio.
For comparison, the famed Col du Tourmalet – a highlight of the Tour de France – presents the world’s elite cyclist with a 19km climb at an average gradient of 7.4 per cent, the ascent of Jebel Akhdar, the “Green Mountain”, offers a gradient of 10.3 per cent with an elevation gain of 1,411m.
Stage 3 has been extended from the 2019 route and will now start in the ancient lost city of Tanuf whose evocative ruins will be the launch-pad for a 30km time-trial, passing the Al Hoota Cave into Al Hamra before the climb to the finish in Misfat Al Abriyeen.
Supported by Oman Sail, the Haute Route will deliver the full professional tour experience to an international peloton of enthusiastic amateur riders. Commenting on the new edition, Oman Sail CEO David Graham, said,
“We were absolutely delighted with the success of the first-ever Haute Route Oman… The brilliant support of the Royal Oman Police, the Royal Army, and the local Al Dakhiliyah community allowed us to ensure the highest safety and service standards for the riders, and we welcome their continued support in 2020 where we aim to attract more international cyclists to experience the incredible cycling offerings of the Sultanate.”
The first edition of Haute Route Oman attracted 262 riders from 27 countries, among them the 2009 F1 World Champion racing driver Jenson Button. Along with 56 per cent of the riders, it was the multiple Grand Prix winner’s first-ever Haute Route. The ground-breaking 2019 event was also notable for a field that was one-sixth female, the highest proportion of women riders in Haute Route history.
“Haute Route Oman was a really good experience,” said Button. “I wasn’t sure what to expect before taking part and it was incredible. Riding in Oman exceeded all of my expectations – the climbs were some of the toughest I have ever done and the breath-taking scenery and hospitality of the local people have put Haute Route Oman at the very top of my favourite cycling experiences.”
Haute Route Oman will again be centred on the ancient but thriving city of Nizwa, located in the heart of Oman’s mountainous interior.
Following Haute Route Oman riders, their friends and families can take the opportunity to further explore the Sultanate’s great natural beauty, which includes many miles of spectacular coastline, undulating dunes and freshwater wadis, and many historic, ancient and cultural sites.
With numerous direct flights from many major cities to Muscat, Oman’s capital, exclusive travel packages will also allow Haute Route Oman visitors to experience the hospitality and welcoming culture for which Oman is deservedly famed.