Tour of Oman 2014 Route stage 1: As Suwayq Castle – Naseem Garden

Tuesday, February 18 – The 2014 Tour of Oman opens with a 164.5 km ride from As Suwayq Castle to Naseem Garden. (Slideshow route/profile)

Tour of Oman 2014 Route stage 1: As Suwayq Castle–Naseem Garden

From coast to (the same) coast, that’s Oman's opening stage in a nutshell! Departing from As Suwayq Castle, the riders take a spin inland and about a third of the way in face a modest climb at Al Rustaq (340 meter). They pass Al Awabi (intermediate sprint), Al Mahaleel (lunch time) and Nakhal before re-approaching the coastline again in Barka. From there it’s a breeze towards the finish in Naseem Garden.

The last 5 kilometers are going ever so slightly downhill, dropping a total of just 12 meters, but that will be enough to ensure a high speed finale with a bunch sprint the most likely outcome.

Last year's opening stage saw Marcel Kittel (photo) claim the race leader's red jersey after winning the bunch sprint.

The stage starts at 11:40 (GST) and the finish is scheduled some time around 15:30.