Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme, second right, former cyclist champion Eddy Merckx of Belgium, second left, and Head of Muscat Municipality in Oman, Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, third left, during the presentation of the first edition of the Tour of Oman cycling race, in Paris, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. The race will take place over six days, From Feb. 14 to Feb. 19, 2010. AP Photo logo AP Photo 25 months ago

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme, second right, former cyclist champion Eddy Merckx of Belgium, second left, and Head of Muscat Municipality in Oman, Sultan Hamdoon Al Harthi, third left, during the presentation of the first edition of the Tour of Oman cycling race, in Paris, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. The race will take place over six days, From Feb. 14 to Feb. 19, 2010.