The Middle East race takes place between 28 January-1 February
Tim Merlier is back at the start of the AlUla Tour, the race whose sprints he dominated last season, taking a pair of stage wins and the points jersey. The European Champion will lead Soudal Quick-Step at the five-day event, where he’ll hope for another strong start to the year, his third with the Wolfpack.
Joining the best sprinter of 2024 on Soudal Quick-Step’s seven-man squad next week will be Ayco Bastiaens, Bert Van Lerberghe, Warre Vangheluwe, Jordi Warlop, as well as two riders coming from the Devo Team: Tour de Langkawi runner-up Thomas Pesenti and former U23 Belgian ITT Champion Jonathan Vervenne.
The fifth edition of the AlUla Tour has – just like last year – three opportunities for the sprinters, one of these at the end of a stage that will take the peloton through the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives the name of the race. Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah (2.9km, 9.2%) and Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid (whose maximum gradient reaches 17%) are the two climbs that will shape the general classification of the race, but also the final stage – despite being completely flat – could have an impact on the standings, due to the potential crosswinds.
“We had a great outing at last year’s edition and this motivates us to do our best again. We travel to Saudi Arabia with a strong team that has Tim – who is eager to get off to a good start – as our leader. We also have two riders of the Devo Team, for whom it will be a nice occasion to gain some experience, so overall we go there with a lot of confidence”, said Soudal Quick-Step sports director Davide Bramati.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
