ROAD BOOK
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Oman
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Contents 04 05 07 08 10 11 12 13
Welcome Letter Event Overview Before The Event How To Get There Registration Day Your Haute Route ID card Rules And Regulations Safety And Support
14 16 18 20 21 22 24 26
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Introducing Nizwa Official Event Hotel Final Day Operations How To Follow Event Partners
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Dear Rider We are delighted to welcome you to the 2020 edition of Haute Route Oman, which presents an authentic and challenging route in the Middle East. Oman prides itself on its authenticity, traditions and friendly approach to visitors. We are thrilled to be hosting riders from 28 different nations to compete here in the Sultanate. 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 to the summit of the Arabian Peninsula, offering challenging climbs, rugged beautiful landscapes and exceptional vistas. Based in the blossoming city of Nizwa, Haute Route Oman will feature a number of demanding climbs in the Al Hajar mountain range, alongside the twisting time trial on day 3 that has been extended for the 2020 edition . Your Roadbook provides a comprehensive guide with all the information you will need during the three days of competition, both on and off the bike. All you need to know about the registration process and the technical stage information is featured, in addition to details of the mechanical and medical assistance that will be provided throughout the event. In addition to mountains, our beautiful country offers 1700 km of coastline, desert, ancient culture and contemporary cosmopolitanism. If you’re an international rider, travelling to Oman is also covered, including the tourist visa requirements. We hope you will be able to stay, relax and experience Oman’s unrivalled hospitality before or after the event. Wishing you all the best of luck with your final preparations, The Haute Route Oman Team
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Event Overview The second edition of the Haute Route Oman offers an exceptional 252km course in the Al 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 5,765m. Registration Day
Stage 2
12.00pm - 1.00pm Infinity Pass Only 1.00pm - 5.00pm All Riders Registration 6.30pm - 7.30pm Rider Briefing 7.30pm - 8.30pm Registration for Late Arrivals 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 5th March
Friday 6th March
Saturday 7th March
Sunday 8rd March
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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. (1000 baisas equals 1 Omani Rial) 1 OMR = $2.6 USD The currency is pegged to the USD, offering a stable exchange rate. Currency exchange services are available at the airport currency exchange bureaus.
Airport
The primary international airport is Muscat 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. It 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.
Oman Air Holidays
Oman Air Holidays is offering all Haute Route Oman special travel packages: flights, accommodation, logistics, tours during their stay around the dates of the event (whether it’s before or after). Riders can contact the Oman Air Holidays Team directly to book their trip to the Sultanate. Page Link: https://holidays.omanair.com/en/holidays/haute-route-oman-2020 Booking Form Link: https://holidays.omanair.com/en/haute-route-oman
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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 5th March 2020 between 1pm and 5pm (Infinity Pass Holders only between 12pm and 1pm) 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 via your customer account: SHUTTLE BUS If you are flying into Muscat International Airport you can book one of our airport shuttles to take you directly to Nizwa. Airport shuttles will be available on Registration Day, the 5th March, at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm. They will return to Muscat Airport on 8th March at 3pm and 5pm, and at 8am on the 9th March. The price (â‚Ź122 / $135) includes a round trip for you, your luggage and bike box and this service can be booked via your customer account. 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. The approximate cost is 50 OMR (130 USD) each way.
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Official Vehicle Partner
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. Haute Route Oman riders can receive a 10% discount on car rentals using the code 54427510 on bookings made on their website: www.europcaroman.com. Alternatively, contact Waseem Ahmed by e-mail at waseem@europcaroman.net to book car rental and arrange collection.
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Registration Day 1 2 3 4 5
VILLAGE ARRIVAL – The event village will be open to riders from 1pm to 5pm, (Infinity Pass Holders only between 12pm to 1pm) 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 7.30pm. 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. REGISTRATION PACK COLLECTION – Get your official Haute Route Oman jersey and KITBRIX backpack.
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OFFICIAL PHOTO - Don’t forget to have your official Haute Route Oman picture taken next to the Léger Clothing tent.
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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.
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WELCOME 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.
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PASTA PARTY – To start the Haute Route Oman in the right way, attend the Pasta Party that will take place near the hotel pool straight after the Rider Briefing at 8pm.
Finally, if you use the bike park, don’t forget to pick up your bike. Bike Park opening times are 1pm - 5pm. Whilst the bike park is patrolled during the day, there is no security presence overnight.
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Your Haute Route ID card The Official Haute Route ID Card is your pass to access all services during the event.
Bike Park Present your ID Card to collect your bike from the bike park
Rider's Pass Allows access to the Pasta Party, riders' lunch and the closing ceremony
Massages Present your ID Card at the Info Point whilst booking your massage. You will receive a sticker with your scheduled massage time on it
Rider's Experience & Services Team Official Hotline If you have any questions about the organisation on-event. The phone-number is activated from the day prior to registration day until the day after the closing ceremony
Medical Emergency 24/7 hotline for any medical emergency on-event +968 7195 5500 Event Hotline +968 7211 6000
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Rules And Regulations It is important to be aware of all the Rules & Regulations of the Haute Route Oman which include timekeeping & rankings, time limits, equipment allowed, safety, medical and personal assistance, anti-doping and other important topics.
Your road bike
The following equipment is strictly forbidden: • Any handlebar extension system • Recumbent bikes, monocycles, tandems, or electric bikes • Bottles made of non-deformable material (glass, aluminium, …) • Wheels with fewer than 12 spokes The following equipment on your bike is mandatory: • A red light at the rear
Road safety
Respect traffic rules at all times
Ride on the right-hand side of the road
Respect the Haute Route Oman traffic signs
Respect other road users (not involved in the event)
Wear your helmet at all times
No earphones
Protest
Riders wishing to report infringements, contest timings or report something must collect and complete a protest form from the Information Point, within two hours of finishing the stage. Decisions will be communicated to the concerned riders after the evening briefing.
Abandon
In case you abandon the race, you must inform the organisation by calling the Haute Route Oman hotline.
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Sustainability
By entering the Haute Route Oman, you commit to respect the environment and the 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 will be penalised or even disqualified.
Safety And Support Organisation TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CAR
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Technical Assistance The official technical assistance is the only party authorised to provide assistance on the course outside of designated feed stations. Riders receiving outside assistance - mechanical or otherwise - are liable to penalties and ultimately disqualification. • Every participant is expected to be self-sufficient in the case of a puncture • If you suffer a mechanical fault, please be patient and inform the driver of the closest course vehicle. Time waiting for technical assistance cannot be deducted from your race result. • Technical assistance will be available in the event village and at the start line. There are no bike shops close to the course, so riders are recommended to bring specific spares, including: • A rear-mech hanger • Allen keys specific to your bike • Spare brake blocks (front and rear) • Inner tubes with the correct length valves, CO2 cartridges and a pump
Medical Assistance Available 24/7: • Emergency Doctors • Professional Nurses • Ambulances
Transition Stage 1 will include a transition after the completion of the stage, as riders travel from the finish line to the Event Village. Haute Route signage will be on the road, however they will be open to the public so riders will have to respect the traffic rules. Waiting for your friends and riding as a group is recommended.
Starting convoy Stages 1 and 2 will begin with a non-timed secure convoy to safely exit the city. The peloton will ride at the pace of the Head of Race car until the first timing mat. The start convoy is included in the distance of the stage.
HAUTE ROUTE OMAN MEDICAL EMERGENCY: +968 7195 5500
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Stage 1 - Friday 6th March 2020 Practical info
Lanterne Rouge Tip
7.00am: Start line opens (22 55’27.67 N, 57 37’6.75 E) 7.30am: Start 2.00pm - 4.00pm: Finish at Jebel Akhdar Summit Car Park and then complete 33km transition, returning to the Event Hotel. Race Village Location: Golden Tulip Nizwa. 6.30pm - 7.15pm: Briefing in the Conference Room at the Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa.
“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.”
CUT OFF TIMES
Towns & Villages
Distance KM
Jebel Akhdar View Point Jebel Akhdar Police Station Jebel Akhdar Picnic Area Feed Station 4 Finish Line
S TA G E P R O F I L E
First Rider
Last Rider
Cut-Off Times
32.9
8:57
10:03
10:20
44
9:24
11:00
11:30
58.5
9:59
12:37
13:00
71
10:29
13:52
14:10
84.1
11:00
15:11
15:30
JEBEL AKHDAR 8 4 K M (+3 3 K M ) | 3 0 0 0 M+
Jebel Akhdar Viewpoint 2,022M
Jebel Akhdar Viewpoint 2,022M
Hayl Al Hadab 2,300M
Golden Tulip 532M
GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL
TRANSITION 0
14.5
33
45
58
64
STAGE 1 GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA - JEBEL AKHDAR 84KM (+33KM) / 3,000M
Feed Station
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Water Point
Toilet
71
84
0
TIMED SECTION STARTS TIMED SECTION STARTS
Timed Section
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CLIMBS Jebel Akhdar Summit
Climb Col 1: 1: Jebel Akhdar Climb
Climb Col 2: 2:
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Stage 2 - Saturday 7th March 2020 Practical info
Lanterne Rouge Tip
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. 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 in the Conference Room at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa.
“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 finest panoramic views in Oman. The race back to the hotel will be very quick.”
CUT OFF TIMES
Towns & Villages
Distance KM
First Rider
Last Rider
Cut-Off Times
Feed Station 1 - Side of Road
25
8:32
8:45
9:05
Feed Station 2 - Side of Road
50.1
9:25
10:00
10:20
Feed Station 3 - Car Park
73.3
10:15
11:09
11:30
Feed Station 4 - Side of Road
96.2
11:04
12:18
12:40
Feed Station 5 - Side of Road Finish Line
S TA G E P R O F I L E
11:55
13:30
13:50
12:34
14:24
14:45
H O O TA S U M M I T 1 1 4 K M | 3 1 0 0 M +
Al Hoota 655M
Golden Tulip 532M
120 139.2
Jebel Haat 2000M
Feed Station Golden Tulip 532M
Al Hoota 655M
Water Point Toilet Timed Section
0
10
25
50
73
96
STAGE 2 GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA TO GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA 145.3KM / 2320M
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120
140
TIMED SECTION STARTS TIMED SECTION ENDS
CLIMBS
Climb Col 1: 1:
S TA G E M A P
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ITT Stage 3 - Sunday 8th March 2020 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 for Stage 3 will be published on the Haute Route Oman website (and communicated at the pre-stage briefing) after Stage 2 is completed. 1. Go to the waiting area at your starting block time. 2. Enter the Time Trial corridor 2 minutes before your start time. 3. 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.
Practical info 8.00am: First Start in Tanuf, (Latitude: 23° 3'5.6844"N. Longitude: 57°28'3.666"E). 8.56am: First Finish in Misfat Al Abriyinn Majlis. 9.09am: Last Starter in Tanuf. 10.15am: Last finisher in Misfat Al Abriyinn. 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.
S TA G E P R O F I L E M I S FAT A L A B R I Y I N N 2 8 K M | 4 5 5 M+
Feed Station Water Point Toilet Timed Section
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Bus Transfer To Tanuf 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 7th March. The bikes will be protected using foam mattresses and blankets.
Visit Misfat Al Abriyeen 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 7th March. This option may well prove to be the faster option.
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INTRODUCING
Nizwa The Haute Route Oman will be based close to Nizwa, a 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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Official Event Hotel Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel, Hai A Thurat 611, Nizwa.
Post Race Riders' Lunch
Onsite Event Village (in hotel grounds)
Secure Bike Storage (1pm - 7.30pm daily)
Swimming Pool
Shuttle Bus Between Hotels (in hotel grounds)
Free Wifi
Event Map Key Start Line (Stage 1 & 2) Race Village/Registration Bike Park
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Mechanical Assistance
Inter Hotel Shuttle Service
Rider Information Desk
Post Race Rider Lunch
Massage and Medical Service
Riders' Briefings
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Final Day Operations
01
Cross the finish line at the top of Misfat Al Abriyeen
03 Collect your Backpack
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Return to the Event Village by bus or bike
02 Receive your Medal
04 Receive your T-shirt
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Attend the Closing Ceremony; enjoying food, drinks & awards
The Haute Route airport shuttle will depart from the Event hotels. You will be advised of the details well in advance. Riders will be free to leave the venue after the Closing Ceremony, at around 3pm on Sunday 8th March 2020 22
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How To Follow Follow the event
Share your event photos
hauteroute.org/live These will include results, rankings and multimedia content.
hauteroute.org/riders-corner/eventsphotos
Website - Live updates during the event will be shared daily on:
Sign up with your bib number to the free PhotoRunning service on the Riders’ Corner on:
You will get one digital personalised photo for free every day to upload to your Facebook profile or Instagram account or share with your family and friends.
Follow us on Social Media #HauteRouteOman hauterouteoman
@HauteRouteOman hauteroutetv
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@hauterouteoman haute route
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Event Partners
Event Supporters
Official Charity
Official Global Partners
Official Global Suppliers
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
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Riders' Hotline +968 7211 6000
contact.oman@hauteroute.org
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2020 HAUTE ROUTE CYCLING SERIES 8 EVENTS • 6 COUNTRIES • 3 CONTINENTS
Haute Route Oman
Nizwa
Haute Route Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Haute Route Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana
Haute Route Alps • 7 days
Megève – Nice
Haute Route Pyrenees • 7 days
Pau Béarn
Haute Route Brazil
Florianópolis
Haute Route Ventoux
Bédoin
Haute Route Mexico
Valle de Bravo
6-8 March
12-14 June
3-5 July
22-28 August
30 August-5 September
11-13 September
2-4 October
16-18 October
REACH NEW HEIGHTS 28