The Tour of Oman will be one of the flagship events of the 2012 Muscat Festival. Organised by Muscat Municipality, it also aims to showcase Oman’s infrastructure and tourist attractions to the world. The Tour will draw international attention and will help promote foreign investment in Oman besides invigorating tourism, trade and economic activity.

After the sporting, popular and media success of the first edition of the Tour of Oman which was marked by the victory of the Swiss champion Fabian Cancellara, the heroes of the road now return to the sands of Oman for a race that they already know will be much hillier than in 2010, thus testing the abilities and stamina of these professional cyclists to the maximum.

The line up is impressive. After much deliberation by the organizing committee, the sixteen teams chosen include some of the best cyclists in the world and are teams that will also be engaged in the Tour de France later in the year.

The Tour of Oman is part of the ongoing attempt to globalise cycling and will cover Muscat, Al Batinah region, Al Dhakaliya region and Al Dhahirah region. Hundreds and thousands of spectators are likely to witness the Tour which will complete 5 stages, 1 time trial over a distance of 850 kms.