Lesser known races 2025 edition

[Tricycle Rider]

At least Nicolas seems to have the level to be a good pro on the Asia tour, for example.

I am also curious to see Pericas in this race. He can absolutely get a result here with the weak field and steep climb.

I'm curious how Pidcock will do on his new team, and also whether Jakobsen will be able to come out of his rut. Hope he can because it's been a while.

 

[Rockestar_33]

Sprinters sem to be strong for the AlUla tour. Groenewegen, Merlier, Molano, Moschetti, De Kleijn, Jakobsen and Kristoff look good. Very happy with Jayco's balance between sprint and climbing, I'm guessing Hatherley is gonna be Dunbar's main support in GC.

 

[yaco]

I'm seeing a pro debut for Adria Pericas and Zak Erzen in the desert.

And Alan Hatherly the mountainbiker for Jayco. Interestingly, they sent him to the Alula Tour to support Dunbar when they could have sent him to the one-day races in Spain. He must be going well.

 

[Coffeeplanter]

At least Nicolas seems to have the level to be a good pro on the Asia tour, for example.

I am also curious to see Pericas in this race. He can absolutely get a result here with the weak field and steep climb.

Depends on the weather and/or support I'd say. I'm not sure he's ready to fight in the typical Saudi echelons.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

I know everyone is just dying to watch a race in the desert (lol!), here are the stage profiles for the Tour of Alula starting on the 28th. (Thankfully it's only five stages because if this was a GT no way would I be willing to post all the maps. I'll leave that Devil's Elbow. )



Stage 1 | Al Manshiyah Train Station - Al Manshiyah Train Station (142.7 km)



Stage 2 | AlUla Old Town - Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah (157.7 km)



Stage 3 | Hegra - Tayma Fort (180.6 km)



Stage 4 | Maraya - Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid (140.9 km)




Stage 5 | AlUla Camel Cup Track - AlUla Camel Cup Track (169.6 km)

 

[Potomac]

Maybe stages 2 and 4 could be interesting.

 

[Tim Cahill]

That Skyviews stage is awesome if it's the one I'm thinking of, always a desperate chase behind and tactics being played out with some weird riders getting high placings.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

Stage 2 looks really interesting and that finish of stage 4 has really delivered in the last few years. Looks to be an interesting edition with a pretty weak field. Pidcock favorite? Then Majka, Dunbar and Frank Van den Broeck perhaps? Could be some surprises..!

 

[yaco]

Stage 2 looks really interesting and that finish of stage 4 has really delivered in the last few years. Looks to be an interesting edition with a pretty weak field. Pidcock favorite? Then Majka, Dunbar and Frank Van den Broeck perhaps? Could be some surprises..!

Stage 2 is interesting because there are now two ascents of the 2.6km hill at 9.2%. And their are bonus seconds on the first ascent which will change the race dynamics. One of my favorite races for the scenery.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

I like this race. I think there's always some nice action on the Skyview stage. Stage 2 looks great as well, and the sprint field is pretty stacked for a 2.1 race. And they finish the whole thing on a camel track circuit. What's not to like?

 

[Coffeeplanter]

Sure, fair point. I just prefer to not mix sports with politics.

Sports is de facto politics. Saudi Arabia ain't hosting this race because of their love for the game mate.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Sports is de facto politics. Saudi Arabia ain't hosting this race because of their love for the game mate.

No, I'm aware of that, but that doesn't mean that the race can't be good. I watch sports to be entertained, not because I want to engage in a political discussion. Fair enough if others want to criticize - or even boycott - the race, I don't want to get involved in that decision.

 

[tobydawq]

No, I'm aware of that, but that doesn't mean that the race can't be good. I watch sports to be entertained, not because I want to engage in a political discussion. Fair enough if others want to criticize - or even boycott - the race, I don't want to get involved in that decision.

Neither do I really, but asking 'what's not to like' about this race seemed a bit over the top

 

[RedheadDane]

Anyway:
A. Vinokurov and 5 others on the attack.
They have around 2:20.

 

[Rob5091]

That's one heck of a multi country break! - Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

 

[E_F_]

That's one heck of a multi country break! - Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

Asia All-Stars!

 

[Rob5091]

Peloton compacto and it's time soon for a bunch sprint in Arabia.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

De Kleijn crash
Also Majka down.

 

[Rob5091]

Crash! Kristoff and De Kleijn down.

 

[DJ Sprtsch]

Do they use the 5km rule or 3km? Thinking of Majka.

 

[search]

Jakobsen kept his 2024 shape nicely.

 

[Samamba]

Its time to retire for Jakobsen. This is just sad

 

[Squire]

Jakobsen absolutely nowehere in the end?

 

[Squire]

Okay, on replay it looks like some sort of mechanical issue for Jakobsen.

 

[Samamba]

Okay, on replay it looks like some sort of mechanical issue for Jakobsen.

Doubt it.

DSM will finitely ditch him after this year (and take in Kooij), don't see any team paying a lot for him anymore. Wouldn't surprise me if he retires.