The 2026 AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, running from 27–31 January, covers roughly 800 kilometres across five stages and blends fast sprint terrain with two decisive uphill finishes that will shape the general classification. The ascents of Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah and Harrat Uwayrid (2 km at approximately 15 percent) remain the defining challenges of the race, ensuring that the GC will favour riders with strong early-season climbing form while still offering sprinters multiple opportunities.

For Bahrain Victorious, overall ambitions will be led by Rainer Kepplinger and Afonso Eulálio, both well suited to the punchy climbing the race demands. In the sprint stages, Phil Bauhaus will head the team’s fast-man ambitions, supported by Daniel Skerl and Alessandro Borgo as his dedicated sprint train. The squad’s stability and depth are reinforced by the experience of Kamil Gradek and the all-round support of Development Team rider Dunwoody, ensuring coverage across all terrain and a balanced strategy throughout the week.

Sports Director Michał Gołaś noted: “As every year, the AlUla Tour provides opportunities for sprinters, and we also have two stages that will shape the GC. There is a new uphill finish, plus the classic ‘wall’ with a flat run-in on Stage 5. Those two stages will decide the general classification. Apart from climbing legs, we need to have a strong team around the leaders, as we expect crosswinds in a couple of stages and must protect Afonso and Rainer, who will fight for GC. For the sprint stages, we have Phil, and we have a solid team to help him: Alessandro Borgo, who won last week; Kamil Gradek, who brings great experience; and Daniel Skerl, who will be the last man for Phil. I think we are in a good place. We also have Development Team rider Seth Dunwoody, who has great potential. He will be part of the lead-out group and provide support on the flat. For the GC, Rainer was very close to the podium last year and is in good shape, so we’ll support him, but our main leader is Afonso. This parcour suits him well, he just needs to be very careful on the flat stages.”

Co-leader Afonso Eulálio was modest when discussing his leadership role, choosing instead to highlight the team: “We have Phil to fight for victories on the fast stages, along with Daniel Skerl, who is also very quick, so we’ll try to win one of the sprint stages. For the GC, we have Rainer Kepplinger, who was fighting for the podium last year, and I hope to have good legs as well to be in the mix. As for the race, it’s simple: mostly flat and on good roads. There are two harder stages with small climbs where we’ll need to be strong, but the most dangerous aspect of the race is the unpredictable wind that can create echelons.”