- Weather
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Max |
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40°C |
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Min |
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30°C |
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Sunrise |
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05 : 30 AM |
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Sunset |
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06 : 30 PM |
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Humidity |
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50 to 80 per cent |
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- Prayer Time
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Fajar |
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03:58 am |
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Dhuhr |
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12:09 pm |
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Asar |
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03:30 pm |
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Magrib |
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06:50 pm |
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Isha |
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08:09 pm |
- Oil Price
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- Gold Price
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Price in RO
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24ct / gm |
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16.97 |
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22ct / gm |
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16.60 |
- Currency Rates
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Forex Rates vs R01
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US Dollar |
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2.60 |
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Euro |
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2.01 |
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Pound |
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1.71 |
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Indian Rs. |
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143.92 |
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Pak Rs. |
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255.82 |
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Bangla Taka |
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201.38 |
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All winners, including team champions BMC, celebrating on the podium after the final stage of Tour of Oman with Minister of Sports Affairs Sheikh Saad Al Saadi, Muscat Municipality chairman Hamdoon Al Harthi and Eddy Merckx. – Jun Estrada / Times of Oman
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Muscat: Runner-up of the 2012 Tour de France, Christopher Froome started his 2013 season in style, winning the 4th edition of the Tour of Oman that had never welcomed as many contenders for the upcoming 100th edition of the Grande Boucle.
The Brit won the event in front of Contador (2nd) and Evans (3rd). The day's stage finished in a bunched sprint claimed by Nacer Bouhanni ahead of Gos and Phinney.
Inspire, passion, legacy, motivation and youth are all words associated with the Tour of Oman tag line of a 'new energy'. This fourth Tour did not disappoint. With a field of elite cyclists that has never before been seen together this early in the season, this race was a chance for the top guns to test their legs and gauge each other's forms.
The course was designed to be tough and the finish of stage 4 on the Jebel Al Akhdar (green mountain), at such an early stage in the season was intense. Three climbs over the new Al Amerat to Bousher expressway on stage 5 then proved to be a sting in the tail, setting the scene for possibly the greatest battle the Tour of Oman has ever witnessed between the eventual winner of the Tour, Christopher Froome (SKY) and second place Alberto Contador (TST).
While overall leader Froome enjoyed a rather comfortable lead over Alberto Contador (TST) and 39 over Cadel Evans (BMC) at the start of this sixth and final stage, there were still 144kms to be covered with possible upsets on the way and breakaway attempts
to be mastered.
Blessed by beautiful sunshine, the 139 riders left in the race took off from the Nawit Nagam Park and headed west to Muscat and a final circuit on the picturesque Matrah Corniche. With 25 kilometres to go, the bunched sprint was eventually won by French national champion Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ), beating Goss (OGE) and Phinney (BMC) to the line.
Red jersey bearer Christopher Froome finished the last stage comfortably settled in the pack, therefore conquering his very first Tour of Oman victory. In the final general classification, the Sky leader won with ease over Contador and Evans. Froome also won the points' classification while 21-year-old Kenny Elissonde (FDJ) was the best young rider of this 4th edition and Bobbie Traksel (CSS) most aggressive rider.
Sheikh Saad Mohammed Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs was the guest of honour for the final stage and he shared his appreciation of the value of the Tour of Oman to the development of sport in Oman.
"This race is impressive and we are extremely proud to be hosting these elite athletes in Oman. The crowds watching from the finish line speak for themselves and showcase the increasing popularity of cycling here in Oman. We look forward to welcome the cyclists back for the 2014 Tour of Oman and I am confident that we will see the impact and positive legacy that these riders will have on inspiring our next generation."
Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, Head of Muscat Municipality and organiser of the Tour of Oman stated "it has been an honour to be able to watch a battle between the best riders in the world unfold here in Oman and I extend my warmest congratulations to the 2013 winner, Chris Froome on his outstanding win.""
A smiling Chris Froome, said at the launch of the O'Bike initiative also "this was another exciting route, and exciting finale. It wasn't just a straight forward finish, with a little bit of a climb on the finishing circuit which made it exciting right down to the last couple of kilometres. I think there are a lot of links between here (Oman) and East Africa where I was born."
Eddy Merckx also added that "This year in the Tour of Oman we have experienced a breath-taking spectacle on an incredible stage. And it has all been possible thanks to the exceptional support from Muscat Municipality, the police and the many volunteers.
"This has been the most beautiful and inspiring Tour of Oman yet!"
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