Favorites stage 1 AlUla Tour 2025 | If there's one team that knows how to get this race on track...

This week, the spotlight in Europe is mostly on the Cyclo-cross World Championships in France, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the AlUla Tour as well. In Saudi Arabia, some of the top sprinters we regularly see excelling on European roads will be looking to make their mark, starting with the very first stage. Let’s take a closer look at what we can expect!

Course stage 1 AlUla Tour 2025

The AlUla Tour kicks off on Tuesday, January 28, with a flat 142.7-kilometer stage, starting and finishing at the Al Manshiyah Train Station. Located just outside the historic city of AlUla, this former railway station now serves as a cultural landmark.

For the riders, the focus will be on the finish line after 142.7 kilometers, as the wind — blowing at just over 10 kilometers per hour — likely won’t be strong enough to create echelons. This gives the peloton a chance to enjoy the sights in places like Hegra and Qararir along the way.

The finale, however, will require more focus, particularly on positioning and teamwork. Last year, DSM-firmenich PostNL showed the importance of a well-organized lead-out train, which helped Casper van Uden secure victory. With a final straight of just 490 meters, there’s little room to recover positions. A chicane about 1,800 meters from the finish will also play a crucial role in the outcome of the stage.

Times
Start: 1:00 PM local time (5:00 AM EST)
Finish: 4:14 PM local time (8:14 AM EST)

Weather stage 1 AlUla Tour 2025

The wind may be mild, but this is still the desert we're racing in, and riders need to stay vigilant. Temperatures will hover around 20°C, with plenty of sunshine.

Favorites stage 1 AlUla Tour 2025

The AlUla Tour features three flat stages, attracting a strong lineup of sprinters to Saudi Arabia. Despite some late-night travel delays on Sunday into Monday, these riders will be motivated to shine on Tuesday. Dylan Groenewegen of Jayco AlUla is certainly one to watch, especially as a win here would be a great way to please the team’s sponsor. He’ll have Luka Mezgec, Elmar Reinders, and Max Walscheid to support him in the lead-out.

Tim Merlier, the European Champion riding for Soudal Quick-Step, might be Groenewegen’s biggest challenger. The Belgian had a stellar 2024 season and was rewarded with a spot in his team’s provisional Tour de France selection. With Bert Van Lerberghe guiding him into position in the final 500 meters, Merlier’s powerful sprint could secure the win.

Picnic PostNL is another team that knows how to execute in sprints, as they proved last year with Casper van Uden’s victory. Back then, the Dutchman held off both Groenewegen and Merlier thanks to a perfect lead-out from teammates Enzo Leijnse, Bram Welten, John Degenkolb, Nikias Märkl, and Nils Eekhoff. This year, Welten is absent, but Fabio Jakobsen (Picnic PostNL) joins the roster. The team hasn’t announced their designated sprinter, but coach Roy Curvers hinted at Jakobsen having opportunities in this race.

Other contenders include UAE-Emirates XRG’s Juan Sebastian Molano, who thrives in chaotic finishes, and sprinters like Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X), Matteo Moschetti, Emils Liepins (Q36.5), Sacha Weemaes, Pierre Barbier (Wagner Bazin), Alberto Brutomesso (Bahrain Victorious), Daniel Babor (Caja Rural), and Blake Quick (Roojai), all of whom will likely aim for a podium spot.

Favorites stage 1 AlUla Tour 2025, according to IDLProCycling.com

Top favorites: Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco AlUla)
Outsiders: Arvid de Kleijn (Tudor), Fabio Jakobsen, Casper van Uden (Picnic PostNL) and Juan Sebastian Molano (UAE-Emirates XRG)
Long shots: Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X), Matteo Moschetti, Emils Liepins (Q36.5), Sacha Weemaes, Pierre Barbier (Wagner Bazin), Alberto Brutomesso (Bahrain Victorious), Daniel Babor (Caja Rural) and Blake Quick (Roojai)

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