Riders’ Roadbook 2019 1
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Oman
Home to beautiful mountains, valleys and habitats. Let’s keep them clean and plastic free.
eso.org.om
Environment Society of Oman ESOMediaChannel ESO_Oman_ ESOOman
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Contents 06 07 09 10 12 13 14 15 17 18 19
Welcome Letter How to Follow Before the Event How to Get There Event Overview Rules and Regulations Safety & Support Event Signage Registration Day Registration Pack A Typical Day
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What to Take with You Book a Massage Official Event Hotel Introducing Nizwa Stage One Stage Two Stage Three Final Day Operations Mark Your Achievements Event Partners Contact Us
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Dear Rider Welcome to the inaugural edition of Haute Route Oman! This event marks the start of an exciting new era; it is an honour to be introducing Oman as the newest addition to the renowned Haute Route Cycling Series and we are thrilled to be welcoming riders from 26 different nations to compete here in the Sultanate. Haute Route Oman presents an authentic and challenging route in the Middle East. The team has been working hard to ensure that we deliver the very best experience as you embark on an event that will take you through some of Oman’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. Oman prides itself on its authenticity, traditions and friendly approach to visitors. Our beautiful country offers a warm welcome in addition to sea, mountains, desert, ancient culture and contemporary cosmopolitanism. Your Roadbook provides a comprehensive guide to all the information you will need during the three days of Haute Route Oman 2019, both on and off the bike. Here you will find out all you need to know about the registration process and the technical stage information, in addition to details of the mechanical and medical assistance that will be provided during the event. If you’re an international rider, travelling to Oman is also covered, including the tourist visa requirements. Wishing you all the best of luck with your final preparations, The Haute Route Oman Team
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How to Follow Follow the event
Website - Live updates during the event will be shared daily on: hauteroute.org/live These will include results, rankings and multimedia content. Email - A daily recap of the race action including a selection of photos and videos - will be sent straight to your email inbox every evening.
Share your event photos
Sign up to the free PhotoRunning service on the Riders’ Corner on: hauteroute.org/oman You’ll get a picture automatically uploaded to your Facebook page every day during Haute Route Oman. After the event you will be able to purchase your own gallery of high-resolution pictures.
Follow us on Social Media #HauteRouteOman hauterouteoman
@HauteRouteOman hauteroutetv
@hauterouteoman haute route
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Get this feeling.
Discover new freedom of Mobility
Short term rentals
Corporate Leasing
Personal Leasing
International reservations
Chauffeur service
Bus transportation
For more information please email us: sales@europcaroman.net www.europcaroman.com 8
Before the Event Tourist Visas
Tourist visas must be booked online prior to travel. The onsite visa bureau at the airport has a limited service. Residents of most countries can now apply online for a tourism e-visa. The visa options include: 10 day, 30 day or multi-entry. Riders can check eligibility at https://evisa.rop.gov. om/en/visa-eligibility and apply for a visa at: http://www.rop.gov.om/english/visaservices_ mainpage.html The process is quick and simple, with the visa usually issued in a day or two. The events team will be pleased to help if there are any problems with visas. It is the rider’s responsibility to keep up to date with any changes to the visa application process.
Currency
Omani Rials and Omani Baisas. The currency is pegged to the USD, offering a stable exchange rate. (1000 baisas equals 1 Omani Rial) 1 OMR = $2.6 USD. Currency exchange services are available at the airport currency exchange bureaus.
Bike Box Carriage Offer
Oman Air is offering free bike box carriage for all direct flights booked by Haute Route Oman riders. The carriage can be booked by using the following link www.omanair.com/en/ plan-book. On this page you will see a Promotion code field, in which you can insert the following: HROS2019. For additional information regarding how to ensure you obtain the free carriage, follow the link: https://www.hauteroute.org/downloads/Oman_Air_Promotion_Guidance.pdf
Airport
The primary international airport is Muscat International Airport, which is located in the north west of the city and close to the main highway to Nizwa. Muscat Airport opened a new terminal for all international passengers in March 2018 and offers modern, internationally designed facilities.
Oman Air
As the national airline, Oman Air is proud to support the Haute Route Oman. With direct flights from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Switzerland as well as regional destinations.
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How to get there All riders are required to register at the Event Village at the Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel on Thursday 28th February 2019 between 1pm and 5pm (Infinity Pass Holders only between 1pm and 2pm) and from 7.30pm to 8.30pm for late arrivals. The Village will be in the quadrangle garden that can be accessed from the hotel foyer. GROUND TRANSFER TO THE EVENT HOTELS: Several options for Airport Shuttle will be available for Haute Route Oman riders. These can be booked through the entry portal using your unique booking reference number that you will have received within the confirmation email sent to you when you booked your entry: SHUTTLE BUS This will operate on the 28th February from Muscat Airport to the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa and the Nizwa Hotel Apartment. A return transfer service will be operating on the 3rd and 4th of March from Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa and Nizwa Hotel Apartment to Muscat Airport. Timings are available for selection on the registration form and on the event noticeboard in the event hotels. TAXI A taxi service is available from Muscat Airport and the Event Hotel. Approximate cost is 50 OMR (130 USD) each way. PRIVATE CAR TRANSFER Haute Route Oman’s official travel partner Zahara Tours is pleased to provide an optional shuttle service from Muscat Airport to the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa or Nizwa Hotel Apartments and also a return transfer to Muscat Airport on the 3rd March. The service will be provided in 4WD and will cost OMR 80.00 / USD 210 per vehicle per joruney. (The recommended capacity is 2 people with two bike boxes per vehicle). For riders wishing to book private car transfer, please note the following: For flight arrivals after 10pm at Muscat International Airport, or early morning pickups from the hotel in Nizwa on the 3rd March (before 9am), there will be an additional OMR 30.00 / USD 80 charge per vehicle. If you would like to book the private transfer service, contact Nirmal Chacko on mobile: +968 97310838 or by email: nirmal@zaharatours.com. All payments for this service will be made directly with the Zahara Tours representative.
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Car Rental
We have partnered with Europcar, one of the world’s leading and largest car rental companies, to offer you a preferential rate during your stay in Oman. Europcar can offer very competitive short-term rentals to suit every budget. Every car is fully maintained and insured for use in Oman, and includes 24x7 roadside assistance as well as 200km per day free mileage. European nationals can drive using their existing licence, as can those with valid licences from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the United States. Eastern European nationals must possess a valid international driver’s licence. Please check the conditions for your particular nationality before booking. A credit card is mandatory when booking. If you are planning on exploring Oman please be advised that a 4WD will be required for off-road and steep terrains. To book your vehicle, email your requirements to Jason D’Souza: jason@europcaroman.net, inserting ‘Haute Route Oman’ in the subject title to receive an exclusive rate.
Activities in the Event Village
Haute Route Oman services & suppliers present at the village during the registration day. Revolution Cycles Dubai will be present throughout the event.
Official Supplier Technical Assistance
Official Partner
Official Supplier Clothing
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Event Overview The inaugural edition of the Haute Route Oman offers an exceptional 240.4km course in the Hajar Mountains, providing a unique opportunity for amateur riders to race all the way up the mystical Jebel Akhdar Mountain. Over the three days, you will tackle three climbs with a total ascent of 5,744m. Registration Day
Stage 2
1.00pm - 2.00pm Infinity Pass Only 2.00pm - 5.00pm All Riders Registration 6.30pm - 7.30pm Rider Briefing 7.30pm - 8.30pm Late Arrival Registration 8.00pm Pasta Party at Golden Tulip Nizwa
7.00am Start line opens 7.30am Start 6.30pm - 7.15pm Rider Briefing
Stage 1
Stage 3
7.00am Start line opens 7.30am Start 6.30pm - 7.15pm Rider Briefing
6.00am Bus schedule starts 8.00am Start 2.00pm Closing Ceremony (Golden Tulip Nizwa)
Thursday 28th February
Friday 1st March
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Saturday 2nd March
Sunday 3rd March
Rules and Regulations Rules and Regulations
Sustainability
To view the rules in full: https://www.hauteroute.org/ downloads/2019_RR_EN_Oman_-_Final. pdf
See chart: https://www.hauteroute.org/downloads/ HR_Riders_Sustainability_Charter.pdf
Key Points
Equipment Check
It is important to be aware of the Haute Route Oman Rules & Regulations, which include timekeeping and rankings, time limits, permitted equipment, safety, medical and personal assistance, anti-doping and other important topics.
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Respect traffic rules at all times (traffic lights, stop signs etc) Ride on the right-hand side of the road DO NOT cross the middle line of the road at any time Respect Haute Route Oman traffic signs Respect the instructions of race and traffic officials Respect other road users (not involved in the event) Wear a hard shell helmet at all times Position your frame plate on the front of your handlebars
Entrants to the Haute Route Oman commit to respecting the environment and natural areas visited. It is strictly forbidden to leave any type of waste (paper, plastic packaging etc) on the course. Any rider caught throwing waste on the course can be penalised or even disqualified.
To pass the Equipment Safety Check prior to collecting your bib and registration pack, a hard shell helmet is mandatory and must be presented by every rider during registration.
Protest
Riders wishing to report infringements, contest timings or report something must collect and complete a protest form from the Info Point, within two hours of finishing the stage. Decisions will be communicated to the concerned riders after the evening briefing.
Solo / Duo
All riders taking part in the Duo competition will NOT be placed in the Solo rankings. The Duo rankings will be established based on the time of the second rider of each team at each stage.
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Safety & Support Organisation NEUTRAL ASSISTANCE LEAD VEHICLE
SCOUT VEHICLE
NEUTRAL ASSISTANCE MID-COURSE VEHICLE
NEUTRAL ASSISTANCE END OF COURSE VEHICLE
Technical Assistance Assistance on the course - Revolution Cycles Dubai are the only party authorised to provide assistance on the course outside of the designated feed stations. Riders receiving external assistance – mechanical or otherwise - are liable to penalties and ultimately disqualification. - Every participant is expected to be self sufficient in the event of a puncture. If you suffer a mechanical fault, please be patient and inform the driver of the closest course vehicle – who will inform the Revolution Cycles Dubai team. Assistance in the event village and at the start line: Revolution Cycles Dubai will have a stand in the Event Village and at the start line. The team will attempt to resolve any mechanical issues. MEDICAL EMERGENCY: +968 7195 5500
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Replacement parts, spares and accessories: Revolution Cycles Dubai will not provide spare parts during each stage, however they will offer some spare parts in the Event Village after each day’s stage. We recommend that each rider brings specific spares to the race, including: • A rear mech hanger • Allen keys specific to their bike • Spare brake blocks (front and rear) • Inner tubes with the correct length valves and CO2 cans or a pump
Medical Assistance will be available 24/7: • Emergency Doctors • Professional Nurses • Ambulances
Event Signage Event Signage Stage Course
Route to Village
Timing END OF TIMED SECTION
Danger
Warning
Distance to summit
Distance to finish
Refreshment point
Village Signage
The various services offered in the village are identified by these signs (non-exhaustive list):
BACKPACKS
Vehicle Accredition Car Front
Car Back
Motorcycle
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Registration Day VILLAGE ARRIVAL – The event village will be open to riders from 1pm to 5pm, (Infinity Pass Holders only between 1pm to 2pm) please make sure that you follow the registration steps outlined below: BIKE PARK – Use the secure bike park located opposite the event village whilst you complete the registration process. A security guard will be present from 1pm to 5pm. EQUIPMENT CHECK – Have your hard shell helmet (in good condition) available for inspection, before being allowed to proceed to the bib collection. BIB COLLECTION – Collect your bib, bike plate and Haute Route Oman registration pack. NOTE: One form of Photo Identification must be available for inspection. OFFICIAL PHOTO - Don’t forget to have your official Haute Route Oman picture taken next to the Léger Clothing tent.
BIKE PLATE – Once you’ve collected your registration pack, attach your bike plate to your handlebars. It is forbidden to alter, cut or fold your bike plate. BRIEFING – Once you have completed all these steps and have visited our partner and exhibitor stands, please ensure that you attend the mandatory Rider Briefing in the Golden Tulip Nizwa at 6.30pm. PASTA PARTY – To start the Haute Route Oman in the right way, attend the Pasta Party that will take place straight after the Rider Briefing near the hotel pool.
VILLAGE ARRIVAL
BIKE PARK
EQUIPMENT CHECK
001 BIB COLLECTION
OFFICIAL PHOTO
940 BIKE PLATE
BRIEFING
PASTA PARTY
Finally, if you used the bike park, don’t forget to pick up your bike. Bike Park opening times are 1.00pm - 5.00pm Whilst patrolled by security during the day, there is no secure bike park overnight.
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Registration Pack
OFFICIAL LÉGER HAUTE ROUTE OMAN KIT VOUCHER This can be redeemed at the Léger LA stand
HAUTE ROUTE BACKPACK Place your change of clothes in this each day
BACKPACK TAG Insert this in the pocket on the reverse of your backpack
ID CARD Provides access to your daily lunch and massage
ROADBOOK To be referred to throughout the event
FIRST NAME
1801
BIKE PLATE & CABLE TIES Must be secured to your bike’s handle bars
STA G E 1
STA G E 1 106.5
106.5
FIRST NAME
106.5
106.5
1801
72.2
72.2
42.7 4 4 35 35. 35. 33.4 33. 33.4 33.4 4
42.7 35
19.7 19. 19.7 19.719. 719 . 15.6 15. 156 15.6 15. .6 6
2 BIKE STICKERS Feature profile info for each stage
HAUTE ROUTE LANYARD Holds your ID Card
RED BACK LIGHT
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BIB NUMBER AND PINS Must be applied to the back of your rider jersey
A Typical Day
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ON THE HAUTE ROUTE OMAN
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What to Take with You Whilst every rider will have his or her own personal preference, a suggested list of items to take on the bike and in your backpack is provided. Your backpack must be dropped off at the start of each stage and collected at the finish. NOTE: for Stages 1 and 2, riders’ backpacks will be stored at the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa.
ON THE BIKE Arm Warmers / Gilet (warm clothing) Water / drinks bottles Cereal bars, dried fruits, energy gels A pair of sunglasses A fully charged mobile phone Spare inner tubes / sealant for tubeless tyres Tyre levers A pump or a CO2 canister A multi tool including chain tool
IN YOUR BACKPACK Haute Route Oman ID Card Spare Shoes High-protein recovery drink Change of clothes Towel for rider massage Sun Cream
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Book a Massage •
Book your complimentary post-event massage as soon as possible after you cross the finish line. This is booked at the massage room reception in the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa.
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You will receive a massage ticket indicating your allotted time slot.
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Ensure that you arrive at the massage area at your assigned time in possession of your ticket; latecomers (more than 5 minutes after start time) and riders without one will not be treated.
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Bring your personal towel to place on the massage table.
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Massages last 15 minutes.
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Official Event Hotel Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel, Hai A Thurat 611, Nizwa.
Post Race Rider Lunch
Event Village onsite in hotel grounds
Secure Bike storage (1pm to 5pm daily)
Pool
Wifi
Event Map Key Start Line (Stage 1 & 2) Race Village/Registration Bike Park
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Mechanical Assistance (Revolution Cycles Dubai)
Inter Hotel Shuttle Service
Rider Information Desk
Post Race Rider Lunch
Massage Service
Riders' Briefings
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P
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Introducing Nizwa The Haute Route Oman will be based close to Nizwa, the historic town that is brimming with culture and heritage. Located at the foot of Jebel Al Akhdar, Nizwa is approximately 160km from Muscat, about 1.5 hours’ drive from the capital. The largest city in the Ad Dakhiliyah region is one of the oldest cities in the Sultanate and was once the centre of trade and the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries AD. Ancient fortifications around Nizwa still stand and the fort with its large circular tower is visible from afar. Visit the Rider Information Desk and arrange an evening visit to the Nizwa Souq, where you can buy frankinscense, halwa, silver jewellery and other traditional craft products.
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Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar Mountain – Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa S TA G E 1 • F R I D AY 1 S T M A R C H 2 0 1 9 • 8 4 K M ( + 3 3 K M ) / 3 0 0 0 M +
Practical Info 7.00am: Start line opens (Latitude: 22 55’27.67 N, Longitude: 57 37’6.75 E) 7.30am: Start 2.00pm - 4.00pm: Finish, Jebel Akhdar Summit Car Park, (33km descent back to the Golden Tulip Hotel). Race Village Location: Golden Tulip Nizwa. 6.30pm - 7.15pm: Briefing, Conference Room at the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa.
LANTERNE ROUGE TIP “Use the first 10km to warm up your legs as the first section of the climb is challenging and the first 14km averages 10.3%. More hills follow afterwards so don’t go into the red and remember to eat and drink throughout.”
Col 1:
Col 2:
Jebel Akhdar Viewpoint 2,022M
Jebel Akhdar Viewpoint 2,022M
Hayl Al Hadab 2,300M
Feed Station Water Point
Golden Tulip 532M
GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL
Timed Section
TRANSITION 0
14.5
33
45
58
64
STAGE 1 GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA - JEBEL AKHDAR 84KM (+33KM) / 3,000M
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71
84 TIMED SECTION STARTS TIMED SECTION STARTS
0
Toilet
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Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa – Hoota Summit – Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa S TA G E 2 • S AT U R D AY 2 N D M A R C H 2 0 1 9
• 1 46 K M / 2 3 2 0 M+
Practical Info 7.00am: Start line opens (Latitude: 22 55’27.67 N, Longitude: 57 37’6.75 E) 7.30am: Start 12pm - 3pm: Finish, Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa. Race Village Location: Golden Tulip Nizwa 5.00pm - 8.00pm: All bikes to be loaded onto trucks at Bike Park for Stage 3 transfer. 6.30pm - 7.15pm: Briefing, Conference Room at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa.
LANTERNE ROUGE TIP “It’s tempting to go full gas from the start through the Nizwa valley towards the Hoota Cave system, but you need to pace yourself as a 23km climb at 6% is going to be a fast ascent to one of the best panoramic views in Oman. The race back to the hotel will be very quick.”
Col 1:
Al Hoota 655M
Golden Tulip 532M
Feed Station
Jebel Haat 2000M
Water Point Golden Tulip 532M
Al Hoota 655M
Toilet Timed Section
0
10
25
50
73
96
STAGE 2 GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA TO GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA 145.3KM / 2320M
120
140
TIMED SECTION STARTS TIMED SECTION ENDS
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ITT Al Hamra to Misfat Al Abriyinn S TA G E 3 • S U N D AY 3 R D M A R C H 2 0 1 9 • 9 . 4 K M / 3 5 9 M +
Practical Info 8.00am: First Start in Al Hamra, (Latitude: 23° 6'11.33"N. Longitude: 57°17'12.51"E). 8.30am: First Finish in Misfat Al Abriyinn Majilis. 9.45am: Last Starter in Al Hamra. 10.15am: Last finisher in Misfat Al Abriyinn. Village: the Misfat village will host riders. Participants return to the Golden Tulip Nizwa. Options: ride back (55km) or travel by bus. 2.00pm: Closing Ceremony - Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa.
Individual Time Trial Procedure Your start time will be defined by your overall ranking. (The last rider in the overall ranking starts the time trial first). Your starting group will be published after the finish of the second stage on the Haute Route Oman website and at the briefing.
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Go to the waiting area at your starting block time. Enter the Time Trial corridor 2 minutes before your start time. Enter the start ramp 20 seconds before your start time. Then, GO!
The DUO riders will proceed down the ramp one after the other, with their start time based on the ranking of the slowest rider in each duo.
LANTERNE ROUGE TIP “This race of two halves is one of my favourite ITT courses. The first section is fast, exciting and technical as you race along rolling roads into and through the ancient town of Al Hamra. The key is to remain as aerodynamic as possible and pace your effort sparingly. The race will be won or lost in the second half of the course as riders broach the relentless switchbacks which ascend towards the finish in Misfat, where painted road markers count down every hundred metres for the final half a kilometre so that your effort can be paced forcing you to expire on the line.”
Misfat Al Abriyeen 950M Al Hamra 645M
Feed Station Water Point Toilet Timed Section
0
1
2
3
4
5
STAGE 3 AL HAMRA TO MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN 9.4KM / 359M
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6
7
8
9.4
TIMED SECTION STARTS TIMED SECTION STARTS
Bus Transfer To Hamra All riders will be transferred by bus to the start line. The bus schedule will be posted the previous evening and highlighted in the briefing. All bikes will be loaded onto trucks for transfer from 5.00pm to 8.00pm on the 2nd March. The bikes will be protected using foam mattresses and blankets.
Visit Misfat Al Abriyinn After you finish the Stage, take the opportunity to visit the beautiful ancient village of Misfat Al Abriyinn. Walking through the village is like stepping back in time as you pass the falaj systems that feed the village pools, fields and homes with fresh spring water. The Rest House in the village will serve you Omani coffee and tea infused with cinnamon, as well as locally harvested dates.
Transfer Back To The Event Hotel You have two return options: • A bus shuttle back to the hotel, which is 55km away. Your bike will be transferred in an accompanying truck. The bus will leave once it is full. • You can ride back to the hotel in groups – the route will be signposted with Haute Route Oman signage and will be included in the safety briefing on the 2nd March. This option may well prove to be the faster option.
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01
You become a finisher in Misfat Al Abriyeen
03 Collect your Backpack
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Return to Event Village by bus or bike
02 Receive your Finisher Medal
04 Receive your Finisher T-shirt
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Closing Ceremony:* food, drinks, awards *At The Golden Tulip Hotel - you must have your Haute Route ID card with you.
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Mark your Achievements PhotoRunning
Don’t forget to have your picture taken on registration day. Stationed along the route on each stage, photographers from Photo Running will then capture some of the most memorable moments of your adventure. Following Haute Route Oman, you can purchase your individual high-resolution photos at photorunning.com.
Event Partners
Event Suppliers
Official Charity
Contact us If you have any questions during the build up to the event, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Live Chat
hauteroute.org
Phone
Mobile and Whatsapp: +968 7234 2111
contact.oman@hauteroute.org
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