Tour of Oman 2014 Route stage 4: Wadi Al Abiyad

Tour of Oman 2014 Route stage 4: Wadi Al Abiyad – Ministry of Housing

Friday, February 21 – Stage 4 takes the riders from Wadi Al Abiyad to the Ministry of Housing. It’s 173 kms long and with numerous ascents of the Bousher Alamrat climbs, a deciding factor in former editions of the Tour of Oman. (Slideshow route/profile)

The towns hosting stage finishes in this year’s race are actually all quite close to each other. Stage 4’s finish in Ministry of Housing is no exception. The spot is also well known from past Tours of Oman.

This year’s leg to the Ministry of Housing takes a different route from 2013 but the final, with numerous ascents up Bousher Alamrat (355 m), is identical. This climb will likely be the deciding factor for the stage and should also separate the contenders from the pretenders in the race for the overall GC. The ascent is 3.6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 10%, testing the riders reserves at 57 kms, 27.5 kms and again at 12.5 kms from the finish line.

The 2013 edition saw Alberto Contador, Joaquim Rodríguez and Chris Froome manage to breakaway on the final ascent. A strong group containing Cadel Evans formed behind and tried to catch the three leaders but never managed to regain contact. It was then left to the select trio to decide on the stage win. Froome came in first, Contador was second and Rodríguez third.

The stage starts at 11:20 GST and the finish is scheduled at 16:00.