Fifth Oman stage scrapped

Al Sawadi Beach - The fifth stage of the Tour of Oman was called off on Saturday because of a combination of soaring temperatures and strong winds, organisers have said.

Officials at first decided to shorten the 151-km stage from Al Sawadi Beach to the Ministry of Housing.

Riders then discussed the conditions with the organisers as they felt safety was at risk in the sandstorms and in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

The race will now end with Sunday's sixth and final 133-km stage.

Spaniard Rafael Valls of the Lampre team is the overall leader ahead of American Tejay van Garderen (BMC) and Spain's Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).