Get ready for a scorching showdown in the desert! The 2026 UAE Tour promises a thrilling battle between cycling titans Remco Evenepoel and Isaac del Toro, but this year's route might just throw a wrench in their plans. From February 16th to 22nd, the world's best cyclists will descend upon the Middle East for the second World Tour stage race of the season, a relatively young event that has quickly become a major player in the cycling calendar. But here's where it gets interesting: the UAE Tour, born in 2019 from the merger of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Tours, has always been known for its flat, sun-baked stages. However, 2026 introduces a game-changing climb, Jebel Mobrah, which could shake up the general classification (GC) battle.
The UAE Tour's rapid rise is no accident. The region's financial muscle, warm February weather, and World Tour status have consistently attracted top talent. Primoz Roglic claimed the inaugural title in 2019, followed by Adam Yates in 2020, and then Tadej Pogacar's dominance in 2021 and 2022. Remco Evenepoel, the reigning Olympic champion, soared to victory in 2023, with Lennert van Eetvelt and Pogacar taking the subsequent editions. But will Evenepoel's reign continue in 2026?
Let's dive into the stages:
Stage 1: Madinat Zayed Majlis - Liwa Palace (144km) - A sprinter's paradise, but don't be fooled by the flat profile. Crosswinds in the desert could create early chaos, setting the tone for the race. The uphill sprint to Liwa Palace will favor powerful finishers.
Stage 2: Hudayriyat Island ITT (12.2km) - A traditional time trial without technical challenges or climbs. Expect the GC contenders to start separating themselves here.
Stage 3: Umm al-Quwain - Jebel Mobrah (183km) - And this is the part most people miss: the introduction of Jebel Mobrah. This brutal climb, averaging 8.1% over 13.2 kilometers with sections nearing 20%, is a game-changer. Its profile resembles the infamous Alto de l'Angliru, promising significant time gaps and potentially deciding the overall winner. Will Evenepoel's time trial prowess be enough to offset potential losses here?
Stage 4: Fujairah - Fujairah (182km) - A rare hilly stage for the UAE Tour, featuring an 8km climb at the start and smaller ascents throughout. This could favor breakaways or test the sprinters' endurance.
Stage 5: Dubai Al Manzar Park - Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (166km) - A pan-flat stage destined for a bunch sprint, with a technical finale requiring precise positioning.
Stage 6: Al Ain Museum - Jebel Hafeet (168km) - The iconic Jebel Hafeet climb returns, a 10.6km ascent at 6.9%. While not as steep as Jebel Mobrah, its exposed roads and inconsistent gradient make it a crucial test.
Stage 7: Zayed National Museum - Abu Dhabi Breakwater (149km) - A calm, flat finale likely ending in a sprint, providing a chance for the fast men to shine.
The Contenders:
Remco Evenepoel is the favorite, but Jebel Mobrah could be his Achilles' heel. His time trial strength and climbing ability make him a force, but can he handle the brutal gradients? Isaac del Toro, in the absence of Jonas Vingegaard, is his biggest rival. His form is a question mark, but with a strong team backing him, he could challenge for the GC. Bahrain - Victorious brings a strong squad with Antonio Tiberi, Damiano Caruso, and Afonso Eulálio. Lennert van Eetvelt, a former winner, aims for a comeback, while Derek Gee makes his Lidl-Trek debut with podium aspirations. Michael Storer and Felix Gall are climbers to watch, though Gall may lose time in the time trial.
Other GC contenders include Ilan van Wilder, Tobias Johannessen, Harold Tejada, Georg Steinhauser, Ben Tulett, William Lecerf Junior, David Gaudu, Pablo Castrillo, and the veteran Nairo Quintana. In the time trial, Joshua Tarling and Ethan Hayter could challenge Evenepoel. The sprint battles, depleted by absences, will likely be dominated by Jonathan Milan, with Juan Sebastián Molano, Sam Welsford, and Alberto Dainese in pursuit.
Prediction:
While Evenepoel remains the favorite, Jebel Mobrah introduces an element of uncertainty. Will the new climb crown a new champion, or will Evenepoel's all-around prowess prevail? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Pick: Remco Evenepoel
