Category: Previews

Albufeira > Fóia 182.3km The second stage is one we all know well, the uphill finish in Fóia. Nothing much will happen throughout the day, then it all kicks off with 30km to go. Weather Lots of sun and not much wind, perfect conditions for the riders. As usual, there will be a headwind for...

The stage race season begins for the women’s peloton with the sixth edition of Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. The four stages involve one sprint, one mountaintop finish and two punchy days. With a start list full of the best riders in the world, the racing should be exciting and full of aggression. Stage 1 Too hard...

Ubrique > Iznáiar 200.6km The race begins with a funny looking stage. We have 3547m of climbing, but a lot of that comes right at the start of the day, the rest of the route is undulating, but without big gradients. How the bunch ride the opening climb will determine the race we get. Will...

Now for something a little different! The organisers have made significant changes to the race, out goes a big mountain stage and in comes lots of punchy days. I can’t remember the last time I saw a big race look like this; I’m hoping it encourages attacking racing. Some teams arrive with hugely talented squads,...

Portimão > Lagos 199.3km The opening stage of this race usually ends in a big sprint, but maybe not this year. The route is straightforward, but the weather might have other plans. Weather The wind will reach a maximum of 25km/h and will come from the north-west. Most of the opening 130km will be into...

It’s the 48th edition of the race and we have a very familiar looking route, but the organisers did decide to increase the length of the TT. Two sprints, two punchy stages and a TT, it’s a nice mix for a five-day race. Stage 1 The race begins with a sprint stage in Lagos, Fabio...

Al Mouj > Matrah Corniche 132.3km The final stage of the race is one that has been used many times. It should be another chance for the sprinters, but there is enough to interest the puncheurs too. Saying that, the morning break has an okay chance of success, as long as teams don’t try and...

Sama’il > Jabal Al Akhdhar 154.2km It’s time for the Queen stage of the race, as the peloton head back up the Green Mountain. After a brilliant performance today, Fausto Masnada has a commanding lead, the GC battle is all but over. The Italian leads Anthon Charmig by an enormous 55 seconds, with Jan Hirt...

Al Sifah > Muscat Royal Opera 119.3km This stage has been used many times in the past, it used to finish outside the Ministry of Tourism. The organisers have tinkered with the number of climbs the riders have to do, but recently have settled with three ascents in the closing stages. If you’ve never seen...

Sultan Qaboos University > Qurayyat 1801.1km This stage marks the start of the GC battle. A finish that has been used three times in the past, the climb always seems to be harder than the numbers suggest. Weather Hot, not much wind, sunny. Last time we were here the race split before the climb, not...