Oman is often used as a race where Classics specialists go to fine-tune their preparation and Van Avermaet, who won stage three at the 2018 edition, is no exception.
“I always enjoy racing in Oman and I think it’s a really good race for me at this point in the season with nice weather and conditions, and mostly short stages. I am really happy with my form and how the team worked together in Valencia so it will be good to race again together this week,” Van Avermaet said.
“It is always nice to have a win early in the season and I definitely hope to add another one in Oman. There are a few stages that suit me so that is definitely the main goal in Oman, but it’s also a good opportunity to prepare for the Classics. At this time of the year, it’s important to have racing kilometres in the legs after a long offseason so the Tour of Oman is the perfect race for that.”
Daily highlights and reports from the 2019 Tour of Oman will be available on Cycling Central.
On the CCC squad with the 2016 Olympic road champion is Kamil Gradek (POL), Michael Schär (SUI), Gijs Van Hoecke (BEL), Nathan Van Hooydonck (BEL), Guillaume Van Keirsbulck (BEL), Łukasz Wiśniowski (POL).
“Traditionally for us, the Tour of Oman is the final preparation race ahead of the start of the Classics season and this year is no different. We will be going there with a team ready, and motivated, to work for Greg Van Avermaet," Sports Director Valerio Piva said.
"He has done this race for the last six years in a row and as we have seen before, it is a good race with some stages that really suit him so, the main objective will be to race for a stage win with Greg.
"We don’t have anyone for the General Classification, as like always this will be decided on Green Mountain and we are not taking a climber with us this year. However, this means that as well as supporting Greg, everyone will have a chance to jump in different moves."
