The Wolfpack is gearing up for the first of four races in the Middle East.
The AlUla Tour, which is part of the Pro Series calendar this year, is scheduled to run from January 27th to 31st and will consist of five stages. The race will once again be friendly to sprinters and the 6th edition will offer three opportunities for sprinters to make their mark: Camel Cup Track, Al Mansiya Station and Sharar.
The Bill Jada Mountain Wilka, which played a key role in the battle for the overall standings last year, will return, but this time there will be no local circuit and the challenge will be from the opposite direction, meaning the final climb with 2km to go will be longer and more difficult. The queen stage is still Skyviews at Halat Uwayrid and thanks to its presence on the final day of the AlUla Tour, the race is likely to be won there.
Soudal Quick-Step will start the Saudi race alongside Gianmarco Garofoli, one of the most competitive riders at last year’s Giro d’Italia, newcomers Lorenz Rex, Martin Svcek, Bert van Lerberghe, Ware van Helwe, Mauri Vansevenant and Divo rider Lars Vanden Heede. This strong team could be in next week’s bracket.
“The AlUla Tour is the first of four races in the Middle East and is an event that we like and one where we have had a lot of success in the past. There are opportunities for all kinds of riders and there is a desire to give our best next week. We go there with a balanced and confident team and we want to fight for good results not only on the stages but also in the classes in general,” said Sporting Director Davide Bramati.
Photo credit: ©Cedric Desplaterre