Category: Previews

Montoro > Pozoblanco 166km The easiest stage of the race, it should be a standard sprint stage.

La Garde > Brignoles 176km Change of route for the race, it looks like one which should suit the sprinters. There’s a very early climb, we’ll have to wait and see if anyone tries to push the pace. 

Jaén > Lopera 181km Romeo and Leknessund surprised the peloton today, the Spaniard looks nice and secure in the race lead. This stage has 2321m of climbing, but it looks a lot easier than the first two days. Sprinters will be hopeful it goes their way.

Vilamoura > Vilamoura 19.6km ITT Well, well, well, the hype is real! Paul Seixas took a sensational win today, now we’ll see if he can hold on. It’s time trial day in the Algarve, 19.6km in length and just 154m of elevation, this is a relatively flat route. With a few of the specialists here,...

Dubai Al Mamzar Park > Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University 166km This finish was only brought into the race last year, Tim Merlier won from Malucelli and Milan. It’s the first pan flat sprint of the race.

Torrox > Otura 139km Another day where it’s up to the riders to make the race. Just like on Wednesday, the big climb comes very early in the stage, will we see attacks?

Portimão > Fóia (Monchique) 148km Day 2 and a big one in terms of the fight for the general classification. The stage ends at the top of Alto da Fóia, but the organisers have found a new way up to the crest.

Fujairah > Fujairah 182km GC riders can take a rest for a couple of stages, now it’s time for the sprinters to shine.

Benahavís > Pizarra 150km The race kicks off with an interesting stage, it’s up to the riders to make the race. 

A very different looking race. Over the years the organisers have always found horrible little climbs to include in the race, suiting puncheurs, but this year they are trying something totally different. The initial reaction is horror, but I’m willing to give the new route a chance.