A sand storm has forced the organisers to shorten Saturday's fifth stage of the Tour of Oman.
The stage will be over 100 kilometres and not the 151.5 initially programmed and will comprise three climbs instead of four of the Bousher al Amerat.
It will finish as planned in front of the Ministry of Housing.     
"Because of the climactic conditions the start will begin on the final circuit," said the organisers.
Spaniard Rafael Valls leads the overall standings having won the feature stage, the climb to the Green Mountain, on Friday.
American Tejay van Garderen is in second place, 19 seconds adrift with two stages remaining.
The race finishes on Sunday with a 133.5km run from Oman Air to Muttrah Promenade.
Source: AFP