WielerFlits reports that the 2020 Tour of Oman is likely to be rescheduled for early March after being canceled earlier this month. (Open in new tab)

The race, originally scheduled to be held as a pro series from February 11-16, may now be held from March 3-8. The news comes after all major events in Oman were suspended or canceled following the death of Oman's ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, on January 10.

Race organizer ASO was unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon, but confirmed the cancellation of the race last week, citing "extended national mourning following the Sultan's death."

However, the company appears to be working to find new dates for the six-day race in the meantime.

After Sultan Qaboos died after 49 years in office as the country's leader, there was a three-day period of national mourning. However, a longer period of 40 days followed, and the Ministry of Tourism ordered the cancellation of a number of events throughout Oman.

The cancellations created a gap in the early season schedule for many, including Mark Cavendish (Bahrain McLaren) Elia Viviani (Cofidis) will head to Volta Ao Algarve to complete his race program before focusing on the Truck World Championships.

ASO is now believed to be approaching teams about participating in the new March dates, which clash with the World Tour races Strade Bianche and Paris-Nice.

First held in 2010, the race had become an established part of the early season race block in the Gulf countries, along with the UAE Tour, the Tour of Saudi Arabia, and the now defunct Tour of Qatar.

Last year's race saw Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) win three stages, including a summit finish on Green Mountain.