Saudi Arabia 27 Jan – 31 Jan 2026 Class 2.Pro – Stages – UCI ProSeries
Website www.thealulatour.com
Website www.tourdownunder.com.au
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The AlUla Tour 2026 marks a significant milestone in the history of Saudi Arabian cycling. Now in its sixth modern edition (and its third under the “AlUla Tour” branding), the race has evolved from a sporadic regional event into a prestigious fixture on the international cycling calendar.
The 2026 edition is currently scheduled to take place from January 27 to January 31, 2026.
1. Evolution: From the Saudi Tour to AlUla
While the race feels new, its roots date back over two decades.
- The Early Years (1999–2013): The race originally debuted in 1999 as the Tour of Saudi Arabia. It was held intermittently, with editions in 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2013, primarily featuring regional teams.
- The Modern Rebirth (2020): After a seven-year hiatus, the race was revived by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)—the same organizers behind the Tour de France. It joined the UCI Asia Tour, transforming into a professional-grade stage race.
- The AlUla Rebranding (2024): In 2024, the race was officially renamed the AlUla Tour. This shift was designed to showcase the AlUla region’s dramatic desert landscapes, ancient archaeological sites (like Hegra), and the mirror-clad Maraya concert hall.
2. The 2026 Upgrade: UCI ProSeries
The 2026 edition is particularly historic because it has been upgraded to the UCI ProSeries status. This is the second-highest tier of professional cycling, just below the WorldTour. This promotion ensures a higher quality of competing teams and increased global media coverage.
3. Notable Past Winners
The race has become a hunting ground for elite “puncheurs” and world-class sprinters.
| Year | Winner | Team | Key Note |
| 2025 | Tom Pidcock | Q36.5 Pro Cycling | His first major win after moving from Ineos. |
| 2024 | Simon Yates | Team Jayco AlUla | Secured a “home” win for the region’s title-sponsored team. |
| 2023 | Ruben Guerreiro | Movistar Team | Won the final edition under the “Saudi Tour” name. |
| 2022 | Maxim Van Gils | Lotto–Soudal | A breakthrough performance for the young Belgian. |
| 2020 | Phil Bauhaus | Bahrain–McLaren | The winner of the first modern-era edition. |
4. Iconic Route Features
The “history” of the AlUla Tour is defined by its unique terrain:
- Harrat Uwayrid: Often the “Queen Stage,” featuring a brutal 17% gradient climb that usually decides the general classification.
- The Winds: The open desert stages are famous for “echelons,” where crosswinds tear the peloton apart, making the race as much about tactics as it is about fitness.
- The Finish Lines: Historically, stages finish at landmarks like the Old Town of AlUla or the elephant-shaped Jabal AlFil.
