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Mountain-Biking
What began as small-scale forays by biking enthusiasts into the foothills
of the jabals around Muscat and izwa, among other locations around the
country, has evolved into a full-blown industry.
Mountain-biking is a weekend pursuit embraced by legions of Omani and
expatriate biking aficionados. The big attraction is the terrain characterized
by rolling landscapes and rising hills crisscrossed by dirt trails that, on the
one hand, test the endurance skills of bikers, and on the other, afford them
spectacular views of the scenic countryside. Operating in groups, the
enthusiasts enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow bikers and the assurance of
assistance if anyone of them has a mishap.
As can be expected, the iconic Tour of Oman mega-event, which Oman has
been hosting on an annual basis in conjunction with the e ually popular
Muscat estival, has fuelling interest in cycling. An annual professional road
bicycle racing stage race held in the Sultanate since
as part of the C
Asia Tour, the event has become part of the new C ProSeries in
.
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