Tom Pidcock makes his debut in the AlUla Tour with the Q36.5 team

Tom Pidcock's quiet debut with his new team Q36.5 will take place on Tuesday, January 28th, when a new edition of the AlUla Tour kicks off. This is the second edition under this name, previously known as the Saudi Tour. A category 2.1 race, the third in cycling, where we will see the British rider more often this season as he joins a Pro Team squad.

The AlUla Tour 2025 starts with Tom Pidcock as the main favorite

Although the AlUla Tour features 3 of its 5 stages as sprinter-friendly terrain, with many sprinters eager to start the year strong, two of the stages are suitable for explosive climbers. Along with a lower level compared to World Tour races, this sets up a tempting challenge for British rider Tom Pidcock to showcase how he has adapted his winter training after skipping the cyclocross season.

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On paper, there are few riders in the start list who could potentially challenge Pidcock in those types of climbs. Perhaps Ivo Oliveira, depending on his form, or Irishman Eddie Dunbar, who will try to capitalize on the race supported by one of his team's main sponsors.

Noteworthy in the start list are the fast men who have gathered for the race. Cyclists like Dylan Groenewegen, Tim Merlier, Juan Sebastián Molano, or Fabio Jakobsen will aim to add to their palmares with the 3 flat stages tailored for them.

AlUla Tour 2025 Route

The AlUla Tour 2025 consists of 5 stages with moderate distances typical of early season races, except for the third stage which extends to 180 km, and not overly challenging terrain.

In fact, three of the five stages are completely flat and are expected to end in a sprint finish.

Therefore, the stages to watch for the general classification are the second and fourth. The second stage, finishing at Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah, features a final circuit around this location, passing the finish line on a steep slope with a 15% gradient. Tough but, in theory, too short to make a significant selection.

The fourth stage with a finish at Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid promises an exciting finale, especially because the climb to this location, a hill in the middle of the desert with a flat top, is crowned 8 kilometers from the finish. The ascent to this hill is a 6-kilometer climb with gradients reaching up to 22%, but due to its location, breaking away here and soloing to the top is not a guarantee of victory, setting up thrilling pursuits in the final kilometers.

How to Watch the AlUla Tour 2025

Despite being a category 2.1 race, the AlUla Tour usually receives good TV coverage. As usual, the race can be followed on Eurosport 2 and the Max platform between 12:30 and 14:30, with replays in the afternoon and the following day as a preview of the next stage.