Mark Cavendish (open in new tab) will make his 2022 season debut at the Tour of Oman (open in new tab).

The Belgian team also selected Fausto Masnada as its overall contender, while Iljo Caisse, newcomer Mauro Schmidt, Stein Steels, neo-pro rider Stan Van Trijdt, and young British rider Ethan Vernon complete the six-man team.

The team was made up of two young riders.

The Tour of Oman, which has not been held for the past two years, will be held next week, and the six-day race, which starts on February 10, will include stages over a variety of terrain in the Middle East. Stage 5 finishes with a tough climb up Jabal al-Akdal (5.7km, 10.5%) in the Green Mountains, while stage 3, Qurayat (2.8km, 6.5%), has a short, steep finish.

Cavendish won the final stage of the 2011 Tour of Oman on the Matra Seafront. He will have a chance to sprint on stage 1 in Muscat, stage 2 in Suhar Corniche, and stage 6 in Mutrah Corniche.

Cavendish's start to 2022 was delayed when he was hospitalized for several days with a collapsed lung and broken ribs after a major crash in the Ghent 6-day race. He then suffered a traumatic assault when burglars broke into his home and threatened him and his family with a knife. He recently attended a training camp with Quick Step Alpha Vinyl in Portugal.

Cavendish had great success with the Belgian team, winning four stages in the 2021 Tour de France. He is competing with Fabio Jacobsen for the team's top sprinter spot, but Cavendish hopes to enjoy what may be his last season as a professional; he has been racing since 2006 and will turn 37 in May.

"The Tour of Oman is back and on a good course. I would like to mix it up with Mark in the group sprint and if possible do something with Faust in the overall class," explained Klaas Rodevik, sport director of Quick-Step Alfa Vinyl.

"He just returned from training camp and is very motivated for the start of the season. Overall, we go out there with a solid team that can get some good results."

Daniel Ostanek will be at the Tour of Oman for Cycling News and will provide full coverage of the race, including interviews, analysis, and exclusive news.