Throughout five days the peloton will race in Saudi Arabia, for the
Saudi Tour. It is the beginning of a long stint of racing in the Middle East from the 30th of January and the 3rd of February.
The race will feature five stages. Stage 4 will be the queen stage and the day where the climbers and puncheurs have to launch their main bids for the GC. All other stages are expected to end in a sprint, although stages 3 and 5 have hilltop finishes which could prove challenging and feature a wide variety of riders within a shot of victory. Of course, the wind may always play a part aswell and the race can be decided in each day.
Stage 1: AlUla International Airport - Khayber, 180.5 kilometers
The opening stage of the race will start in AlUla, a name now well known within pro cycling as they are the new title sponsor of Australian Team Jayco AlUla. It's a flat stage that is close to a complete straight line, set to finish in Khayber.
Stage 2: Winter Park - Shalal Sjilyat Rocks, 184 kilometers
Stage two has a slightly hillier start with some bonus seconds available at the top of an early hilltop. Most of the stage however is pan-flat, with the Shalal Siljyat Rocks spot set to host the finale in what should be a bunch sprint.
Stage 3: Al Manshiyah Train Station - Abu Rakah, 159.2 kilometers
Stage three has a open finale, but most of the day is flat. Even though the profile hints at a lot of climbing, no tough gradients will be found at any time, and it's at the finish where the hurt may be put to the sprinters. A sprint is expected, however a 700 meter ramp at 7% ends already inside the final kilometer, the puncheurs and GC riders will have an opportunity to take time on the competition.
Stage 4: Maraya - Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid, 163.4 kilometers
The queen stage. Stage 4 is a pan-flat day except for the finale, which will take place in the Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid. The final 10 kilometers are flat but they come after a 7.5 kilometer climb at 5.9%. However, the final 2.9 kilometers of the ascent average 12% and will be able to see big differences created, likely where the overall classification will be decided aswell.
Stage 5: AlUla Old Town - Maraya, 142.9 kilometers
The final day into Maraya will be an interesting one, with only 142 kilometers in the menu but including a 7.3-kilometer long gravel sector. Most of the stage is flat, but the finale will see a slight uphill drag to the line.
