After last year’s safety concerns, it’s not a surprise to see all the big teams looking elsewhere to different races. It leaves us with a weaker startlist, but it will hopefully mean more exciting racing. There isn’t a mountaintop finish this year, the final TT will have a huge say in the outcome of the race.

Segorbe > Torreblanca 165km The opening stage in Valenciana is one for the sprinters, but it’s certainly not flat. For quite a few of the quick men, this could be their only opportunity of the week.

The peloton head to Valencia for an important early season test. The inclusion of a tricky ITT has attracted a few of the big hitters to the race, the organisers will be very pleased with the startlist. The TT will obviously have a big say on the outcome of the race, especially as there isn’t a proper uphill finish.

Marratxi > Palma 158km A sprint finish in Palma to finish off this block of racing. Last year, Iúri Leitão surprised everyone with an outstanding late attack, will we get a conventional sprint this time round?

Marseille > Marseille 146km There’s been a significant route change, Route des Crêtes is out, which significantly reduces the difficulty of the race. It now gives sprinters a far bigger chance of fighting for the win, but climbers will still be hoping to attack and spoil the party.

Geelong > Geelong 184km The final big race in Australia for just about a year, the month of January has passed fast. Mauro Schmid won last year, going solo on the descent after Challambra Crescent and holding off a small group of chasers. It’s a funny race to predict, it’s usually 50/50 in terms of being a sprint or not. 

AlUla Old Town > Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid 165km The final stage of the race, and with gaps nice and small on GC, this is going to be an exciting finish. Regular viewers of this tour won’t need any introduction to Harrat Uwayrid climb, it’s a monster. 

Andratx > Mirador d’Es Colomer 148km Last year’s race was called off due to dangerous conditions, hopefully we get a race this year. Remco Evenepoel smashed everyone today, he’ll start as the man to beat. No thanks.

Geelong > Geelong 141km The 9th edition of the race, Ally Wollaston is back to see if she can defend her title. In 2025, she managed to crest Challambra Crescent in the front group of 8 riders, then won the sprint from Swinkels and Rüegg. It was just the 2nd time the race had ended in a sprint, but what’s going to happen this year?

Selva > Santuari de Lluc 154km The route is similar to last year, when Florian Stork took an unexpected win, but it’s not the exact same. 2473m of climbing is well withing the capabilities of many riders, it should be an interesting race.