The Tour of Oman, which takes place from February 14 to 19, has some interesting riders on the start list. Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia), Tom Boonen (Quick Step) and Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) will use the race to kick off their 2010 campaign.
Saxo Bank’s Fabian Cancellara and new BMC Racing recruit Alessandro Ballan are others to start the race, according to Sporza. Belgian Eddy Merckx was on hand to present the route to the public. The race is being held for the first time and, while the terrain is much more diverse than what the Tour of Qatar (February 7 – 12) riders will find, the organziers decided to keep the race easy since it is one of the first of the season.
Merckx thought there were other benefits to having a race in Oman. “Cycle racing is the ideal way to better get to know the country,” he said to Sporza. “Additionally, it is an excellent start to the season, especially in light of the approaching Spring Classics.”