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Riders’ Roadbook 2019

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Contents

Final Day OperationsEvent Signage 2815

Event PartnersRegistration Pack 2918Contact UsA Typical Day 2919

Before the Event Official Event Hotel09 22

Stage OneEvent Overview12 24

Book a MassageHow to Follow 2107

Introducing NizwaHow to Get There 2310

Stage ThreeSafety & Support 2614Stage TwoRules and Regulations 2513

Mark Your AchievementsRegistration Day 2917

Welcome Letter What to Take with You06 20

Oman

Home to beautiful mountains, valleys and habitats. Let’s keep them clean and plastic free.

eso.org.om

Environment Society of Oman

ESO_Oman_

ESOOman

ESOMediaChannel

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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

How to Follow

Share your event photosSign 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 the eventWebsite - 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.

hauterouteoman @HauteRouteOman @hauterouteoman

hauteroutetv haute route

Follow us on Social Media #HauteRouteOman

Dear Rider

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Before the Event

Tourist VisasTourist 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.

CurrencyOmani 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 OfferOman 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

AirportThe 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 AirAs 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.

www.europcaroman.com

For more information please email us:sales@europcaroman.net

Get this feeling.Discover new freedom of Mobility

Short term rentals Corporate Leasing Personal Leasing

International reservations Chauffeur service Bus transportation

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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:

How to get there

SHUTTLE BUSThis 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.

PRIVATE CAR TRANSFERHaute 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).

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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.

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. Official Supplier

Technical Assistance

Activities in the Event VillageHaute Route Oman services & suppliers present at the village during the registration day. Revolution Cycles Dubai will be present throughout the event.

Official SupplierClothing

Official Partner

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Car RentalWe 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.

TAXI A taxi service is available from Muscat Airport and the Event Hotel. Approximate cost is 50 OMR (130 USD) each way.

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Event OverviewThe 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 Thursday 28th February

Stage 1Friday 1st March

Stage 2 Saturday 2nd March

Stage 3 Sunday 3rd March

1.00pm - 2.00pm Infinity Pass Only2.00pm - 5.00pm All Riders Registration6.30pm - 7.30pm Rider Briefing7.30pm - 8.30pm Late Arrival Registration8.00pm Pasta Party at Golden Tulip Nizwa

7.00am Start line opens7.30am Start6.30pm - 7.15pm Rider Briefing

7.00am Start line opens7.30am Start6.30pm - 7.15pm Rider Briefing

6.00am Bus schedule starts8.00am Start2.00pm Closing Ceremony (Golden Tulip Nizwa)

Rules and Regulations

Rules and RegulationsIt 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.

To view the rules in full:https://www.hauteroute.org/downloads/2019_RR_EN_Oman_-_Final.pdf

Key Points• 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

Solo / DuoAll 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.

SustainabilityEntrants 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.

See chart: https://www.hauteroute.org/downloads/HR_Riders_Sustainability_Charter.pdf

Equipment CheckTo 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.

ProtestRiders 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.

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Safety & Support

Organisation

NEUTRAL ASSISTANCE

NEUTRAL ASSISTANCE

NEUTRAL ASSISTANCE

SCOUT VEHICLE

LEAD VEHICLE

MID-COURSE VEHICLE

END OF COURSE VEHICLE

Technical Assistance

Medical Assistance will be available 24/7:

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.

• Emergency Doctors• Professional Nurses• Ambulances

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 EMERGENCY: +968 7195 5500

Event Signage

Village Signage

Vehicle Accredition

The various services offered in the village are identified by these signs (non-exhaustive list):

Car BackCar Front Motorcycle

Event SignageStage Course Route to Village

Warning

Distance to summit Distance to finish Refreshment point

Danger

Timing

BACKPACKS

END OFTIMED SECTION

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Registration Day

PASTA PARTY

BRIEFING

BIB COLLECTION

001

VILLAGE ARRIVAL

EQUIPMENT CHECK

BIKE PARK

OFFICIAL PHOTO

940BIKE PLATE

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.

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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HAUTE ROUTE BACKPACKPlace your change of clothes in

this each day

BIB NUMBER AND PINSMust be applied to the back

of your rider jersey

BACKPACK TAGInsert this in the pocket on the

reverse of your backpack

RED BACK LIGHT

ROADBOOKTo be referred to throughout

the event

Registration Pack

OFFICIAL LÉGER HAUTE ROUTE OMAN KIT VOUCHERThis can be redeemed at the

Léger LA stand

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STA G E 1

106.5

106.5

72.2

42.7

35

33.4

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4

35.

33.4

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STA G E 1

106.5

106.5

72.2

42.7

35

33.4

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2 BIKE STICKERSFeature profile info for

each stage

BIKE PLATE & CABLE TIESMust be secured to your bike’s

handle bars

FIRST NAME

1801

FIRST NAME

1801HAUTE ROUTE LANYARD

Holds your ID Card

ID CARD Provides access to your daily

lunch and massage

A Typical Day

Start of stage

7.00AMRide to start line

11.30

AM -

4.30

PM

Pick up backp

ack -

Boo

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assa

ge -

Lunc

h - M

assa

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Bike

che

ck -

Rela

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iefin

g & p

rizeg

iving

6.30

PM

7.15PM

Evening meal at your leisure

DAILYSCHEDULE

ON THE HAUTE ROUTE OMAN

Wakeup/Breakfast

7.30AM

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What to Take with YouWhilst 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

IN YOUR BACKPACK

Arm Warmers / Gilet (warm clothing) Water / drinks bottles

Cereal bars, dried fruits, energy gelsA pair of sunglasses

A fully charged mobile phoneSpare inner tubes / sealant for tubeless tyres

Tyre leversA pump or a CO2 canister

A multi tool including chain tool

Haute Route Oman ID CardSpare Shoes

High-protein recovery drinkChange of clothes

Towel for rider massageSun Cream

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• 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.

• You will receive a massage ticket indicating your allotted time slot.

• 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.

• Bring your personal towel to place on the massage table.

• Massages last 15 minutes.

Book a Massage

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Official Event Hotel Introducing Nizwa

Post Race Rider Lunch Event Village onsite in hotel grounds

Secure Bike storage (1pm to 5pm daily)

WifiPool

Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel, Hai A Thurat 611, Nizwa.

Event Map Key

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P

Race Village/Registration

Riders' BriefingsMassage Service

Mechanical Assistance(Revolution Cycles Dubai)

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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Post Race Rider Lunch

Start Line (Stage 1 & 2)

Bike Park

Rider Information Desk

Inter Hotel Shuttle Service

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Practical Info7.00am: Start line opens (Latitude: 22 55’27.67 N, Longitude: 57 37’6.75 E)7.30am: Start12pm - 3pm: Finish, Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa.Race Village Location: Golden Tulip Nizwa5.00pm - 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.”

Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa – Hoota Summit – Golden Tulip Hotel, NizwaS TAG E 2 • S AT U R DAY 2N D M A R C H 2 0 1 9 • 1 4 6 K M / 2 3 2 0 M+

Water Point

Toilet

Timed Section

Feed Station

Practical Info7.00am: Start line opens (Latitude: 22 55’27.67 N, Longitude: 57 37’6.75 E)7.30am: Start2.00pm - 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.”

Water Point

Toilet

Timed Section

Feed Station

Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar Mountain – Golden Tulip Hotel, NizwaS TAG E 1 • F R I DAY 1S T M A R C H 2 0 1 9 • 8 4 K M (+3 3 K M ) / 3 0 0 0 M+

Hayl Al Hadab2,300M

Jebel AkhdarViewpoint

2,022M

Jebel AkhdarViewpoint

2,022M

GoldenTulip532M

STAGE 1 GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA - JEBEL AKHDAR 84KM (+33KM) / 3,000M

0 014.5 33 3345 58 7164 84

TRANSITION

GOLDEN TULIPHOTEL

TIMED SECTION STARTS

TIMED SECTION STARTS

Jebel Haat2000M

Al Hoota655M

Al Hoota655M

GoldenTulip532M Golden

Tulip532M

STAGE 2 GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA TO GOLDEN TULIP NIZWA 145.3KM / 2320M

0 25 50 73 9610 120 140

TIMED SECTION ENDS

TIMED SECTION STARTS

Col 1: Col 1:Col 2:

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ITT Al Hamra to Misfat Al Abriyinn S TAG E 3 • S U N DAY 3R D M A R C H 2 0 1 9 • 9 . 4 K M / 3 5 9 M+

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.

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.

• 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!

Practical Info

Individual Time Trial Procedure

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.

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.”

STAGE 3 AL HAMRA TO MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN 9.4KM / 359M

Misfat Al Abriyeen950M

Al Hamra645M

10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.4

TIMED SECTION STARTS

TIMED SECTION STARTS

Timed Section

Feed Station

Water Point

Bus Transfer To Hamra

Visit Misfat Al Abriyinn

Transfer Back To The Event Hotel

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.

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.

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.

Toilet

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You become a finisher in Misfat Al Abriyeen

Receive your Finisher Medal

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0304

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Closing Ceremony:* food, drinks, awards

*At The Golden Tulip Hotel - you must have your Haute Route ID card with you.

Return to Event Village by bus or bike

Receive your Finisher T-shirt

Collect your Backpack

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Event Partners

PhotoRunningDon’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.

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

Email contact.oman@hauteroute.org

Mark your Achievements

Contact us

Event Suppliers Official Charity

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To know more about our services and the experiences we offer, contact us on:

+968 2427 4201 info@seaoman.com*T’s and C’s apply **Promotion only valid for March 2019

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SeaOman Charter and Dive hold the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018

Book* using “HROMAN2019” and receive 10% off**

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