Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) will aim for his first victory of the season at the Tour of Oman, which rolls out on Tuesday February 17.

Chris Froome (Team Sky), winner of the last two events, will not defend his title this year meaning Nibali rolls out among the favourites for the red jersey.

A stage winner atop Green Mountain in 2012, the Italian champion faces stiff competition in the Sultanate, however, with a host of top GC men starting their season in the third of the ‘desert races’.

With a mixed terrain awaiting, the race will welcome all-comers again, too, including the in-form Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), fresh from his three Tour of Qatar stage wins.

So what lies in store for the WorldTour’s best, and who should you keep an eye on? We have previewed the race in depth over the following pages.