Wakan Village in the Wilayat of Nakhal, of Al Batinah South Governorate was on Friday witness to the event debut of Red Bull Titan of the Hill.

The new competitive platform for bikers was a first-time event and a local Oman initiative. 

The mountain biking soft downhill and enduro event was targeted at amateurs and semi-professionals in a time-trial format.

Open to bikers from different backgrounds and disciplines, the event also saw an influx of participants from surrounding GCC countries.

To challenge the riders, and put their stamina to the test, each rider was required to carry their bikes to the top of the mountain up a trail built from natural material, which includes 700 steps.

Once at the starting point each rider individually rode downwards through the heart of Wakan Village against the clock.

The riders rode alongside the descending Falaj passing from the top of the village towards the agricultural terraces; passing observation towers, sitting areas and rest shelters.

It was an early morning start for all participants and at the end of the 4-hour event Steve Ross, from Scotland was named ‘Titan of the Hill’ Male Category. Janine Tooze, from England, was named ‘Titan of the Hill’ Female Category.

I was pretty surprised that I really went for it but I didn’t expect to win. I thought the second placed rider would win, it was very close, but i was faster today,” said Steve Ross.

Ross added: “The location was spectacular and riding full pace through the streets of an ancient village such as Wakan, was really like nothing else I have done before. Winning just added to an extraordinary day.”

Speaking immediately after being announced the winner Janine Tooze said: “Pretty stoked with the win. There hasn’t been a downhill race in Oman since I moved here three years ago so I thought it would be great to participate.”

“We are delighted to be part of this event and see this remote and beautiful location now become an excellent sporting venue as well. We were excited that participants attended from all over the GCC. We trust that our customers got to experience our network coverage through this event”, said Hamdan Moosa Al Harrasi , General Manager Marketing Communication and Performance at Omantel.

“Speed and excitement are core principals of what we do and we were very much looking forward to being part of this new competitive platform for bikers in Oman,” Al Harrasi.

The highly anticipated Red Bull Titan of the Hill was held in partnership with Omantel, Ministry of Tourism, Salam Air, HiFM and Hala FM and Oman Trail Builders.

Source: Timesofoman