Tour of Oman 2015: preview
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The Tour of Oman returns for its sixth edition (pic: Bruno Bade/ASO)
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A slight change to the route means Green Mountain moves back to stage four (pic: ASO)
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Vincenzo Nibali says he is happy with his form but may be waiting until the Tour to really show himself again (Pic: Claudio Peri/ANSA)
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Rafal Majka won the polka dot jersey 12 months ago, but who will be crowned King of the Mountains in 2015? (pic: Sirotti)
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Joaquim Rodriguez knows what it takes to win on Green Mountain, having done so in 2013 (pic: Bruno Bade/ASO)
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BMC Racing are entering a new era with Tejay van Garderen at the helm (pic: BMC Racing)
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Alejandro Valverde has made a strong start to the season (pic: Claudio Peri/ANSA)
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Defending champion Alexander Kristoff has made a flying start to the 2015 season (pic: Bruno Bade/ASO)
Tour of Oman 2015: preview
Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) will aim for his first victory of the season at the Tour of Oman, which rolls out on Tuesday February 17.
Chris Froome (Team Sky), winner of the last two events, will not defend his title this year meaning Nibali rolls out among the favourites for the red jersey.
A stage winner atop Green Mountain in 2012, the Italian champion faces stiff competition in the Sultanate, however, with a host of top GC men starting their season in the third of the ‘desert races’.
With a mixed terrain awaiting, the race will welcome all-comers again, too, including the in-form Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), fresh from his three Tour of Qatar stage wins.
So what lies in store for the WorldTour’s best, and who should you keep an eye on? We have previewed the race in depth over the following pages.