The AlUla Tour 2025 marks the continuation of an exciting cycling season, featuring five thrilling stages set against the stunning backdrop of north-west Saudi Arabia. This event kicks off today, January 28, and will run through February 1, showcasing both the beauty of AlUla and the competitive spirit of the riders.
“On the 4th stage we are tackling our traditional climb towards Skyviews Harrat Uwairid, with a full kilometre at 17% and a remarkable flat section after the summit,” recounts the event’s Race Director, Jean-Marc Marino. “This year we have a new, proper summit finish in the 2nd stage, at Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah. Riders will have to climb it three times over the final 60 kilometres, and this accumulation of efforts will make for a very entertaining stage to watch. The AlUla region has conducted an excellent work at resurfacing the road for the race to go to Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah, and we expect a great show to reward their effort.”
Overview of the AlUla Tour 2025:
Stage 1: Begins and ends at Al Manshiyah Train Station, covering 142.7 km in a loop likely to favor sprinters.
Stage 2: A challenging route from AlUla Old Town to Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah, spanning 157.7 km with a hill-top finish.
Stage 3: The longest stage at 180.6 km, starting from Hegra and finishing at Tayma Fort, offers a mix of flat sections and rolling terrain.
Stage 4: Riders will face a steep climb to Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid after 140.9 km, testing their climbing abilities on gradients reaching 22%.
Stage 5: Concludes with a 169.6 km circuit at the AlUla Camel Cup Track, where the overall winners of the tour are expected to emerge.
Competitors to Watch:
Tom Pidcock heads into the race with his new team Q36.5, eager to assert his dominance early in the season. He'll face stiff competition from climbers like Eddie Dunbar and Jonas Abrahamsen, while sprinters such as Tim Merlier, Fabio Jakobsen, Dylan Groenewegen, and Arvid de Kleijn are set to light up the flatter stages with their speed.
Marino expects “a punchy climber who is at ease in the echelons” to claim the overall win.
Viewing Information:
The event promises wide coverage, with live streams available through various international channels, including Eurosport and Discovery+. Check the tour's official Twitter page for live updates as well:
As the riders navigate through the historically rich and visually arresting landscapes of AlUla, spectators can expect a blend of high-octane racing and breathtaking views, making this a must-watch event in the early 2025 cycling calendar.
