Here we go, today officially kicks off the week of races that will animate the state of Oman, welcoming many athletes in search of victory. It starts with the Muscat Classic, an appetizer for the stage race that will take place from February 7th to 11th for a total of 5 stages. 125 athletes will battle it out to conquer the coveted general classification, but also the remaining jerseys reserved for the best young rider, most aggressive rider, and the points jersey.

Now in its 15th edition, the Tour of Oman continues to rise in level and gain prestige among World Tour teams, especially for its key position in the calendar. Many athletes arrive on Omani roads to test themselves, to complete their preparation, others with the clear goal of securing their first seasonal victory or simply to collect precious points for the team. This year there will be 11 World Tour teams (last year there were only) 6 Professional teams and the Omani national team which here has the opportunity to compete with many champions.

Let's be frank, Adam Yates is the man to beat, the British rider is coming off a good debut in Australia and has clearly arrived in Oman to win the general classification for the third consecutive time. His most formidable opponent is Valentin Paret Peintre (Soudal QuickStep) who last year had to settle for the last stage and the second step of the podium. The Frenchman, making his seasonal debut here, has returned precisely because of the excellent feeling he had with the race and with the clear goal of taking revenge. The third name in play comes directly from Visma Lease a Bike, which this time does not want to just participate, but to get serious; Sepp Kuss after the 2023 Vuelta has shelved any plans for a grand tour victory, but when he's free from captain Vingegaard, he intends to leave no opportunity on the table. In terms of general classification, keep an eye on Jefferson Cepeda, the Colombian rider from EF Education, Luke Plapp from Jayco Alula, Roger Adria from Movistar team who could share captain duties with Nairo Quintana.

In Oman, there's not just space for general classification riders, but also for those with a quick burst of speed. Already in the Muscat Classic we can see some rouleurs in action, while sprinters will have a clear path in the first and fourth stages. In the group, we highlight Bryan Coquard (Cofidis) who will have to contend with Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE Team Emirates XRG), Fernando Gaviria (Caja Rural Seguros) and Steffen De Schuyteneer (Lotto Intermarche), recently second at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Marseille, without forgetting Rick Pluimers, already twice winner of the Muscat Classic.

There will be 9 Italians at the start and this time, unlike recent years, there's a concrete possibility of witnessing a major coup. Team XDS Astana is absolutely the most equipped team in terms of general classification, Christian Scaroni has already won in Spain and should be chosen as captain. The rider from Brescia will have support from Diego Ulissi, Alberto Bettiol and Lorenzo Fortunato who can step in when the road starts to climb. Simone Gualdi (Lotto Intermarche) is another rider to watch for the most challenging stages, while Vincenzo Albanese, making his seasonal debut, could already attempt an assault in the Muscat Classic. Among the other Italians present, we remember Stefano Oldani (Caja Rural Seguros), Lorenzo Quartucci (Burgos Burpellet) and Mattia Proietti Gagliardoni in his first year with the Movistar Team Academy but who will wear the jersey of the main team here.