Category: Previews

Sama’il > Jabal Al Akhdhar 154.2km It’s time for the Queen stage of the race, as the peloton head back up the Green Mountain. After a brilliant performance today, Fausto Masnada has a commanding lead, the GC battle is all but over. The Italian leads Anthon Charmig by an enormous 55 seconds, with Jan Hirt...

Al Sifah > Muscat Royal Opera 119.3km This stage has been used many times in the past, it used to finish outside the Ministry of Tourism. The organisers have tinkered with the number of climbs the riders have to do, but recently have settled with three ascents in the closing stages. If you’ve never seen...

Sultan Qaboos University > Qurayyat 1801.1km This stage marks the start of the GC battle. A finish that has been used three times in the past, the climb always seems to be harder than the numbers suggest. Weather Hot, not much wind, sunny. Last time we were here the race split before the climb, not...

Istres > Les Saintes Maries de la Mer 151.6km Strap yourself in, this stage is going to be a cracker. Weather We have 40km/h wind coming from the north, and lots of exposed roads. This is a nightmare for some of the skinny climbers, their GC bid will be over before it even begins. Tactics...

Naseem Garden > Sohar Corniche 167.3km Another boring looking sprint stage, or will it be? Weather The wind is to strengthen throughout the day, and as the whole day is spent on the coast, there is a chance of echelons. There will be a lot of crosswind, but with the wind only around 15km/h, it...

Berre l’Étang 7.2km Prologue Get up to speed as fast as you can, hold top speed for as long as you can, try to only use your brakes in the U-turn. That’s me summed up the tactics for this stage. Weather The wind will strengthen throughout the day, but it will only reach a max...

Al Rustaq > Oman Exhibition and Convention Centre 138.1km The race begins a with straightforward sprint stage. A small break will get it up the road, the bunch will slowly catch them, setting up a big sprint. Weather Hot! Finale Easy finish, with a big turn with 900 to go. Obviously, this is the crunch...

In recent years the Tour de la Provence has delivered some brilliant racing, this year will hopefully be no different. There is no Ventoux this time round, instead we climb Montagne de Lure, which is a long and demanding climb. Several big named riders start their season here, it will be fascinating to see who...

Back after a two-year hiatus, the Tour of Oman returns with a familiar route for 2022. It’s the usual mix of sprints, punchy stages and the Green Mountain. With hot temperatures, this race provides a stiff test so early in the season. Stage 1 The race begins with a gentle sprint stage, with the final...

Paterna > Valencia 91.3km The women’s season kicks off in Spain with the fourth edition of the race. We’ve had a big sprint every year and don’t see anything changing. The route is one that doesn’t throw up any challenges, and all teams will be more than happy with a gentle start to the year...