Tour Down Under, AlUla & UAE Tour
by Pablo Raya
The professional cycling season officially began on January 17 with the start of the Tour Down Under in Australia, featuring 140 cyclists. Among them, notable participants included Jhonatan Narváez, making his debut with his new team, and Geraint Thomas, who thus kicked off what will be his final season as a professional cyclist.
Tour Down Under
The first stage was a mostly flat route, perfect for sprinters, starting in Prospect and finishing in Gumeracha. It ended in a thrilling sprint, where Sam Welsford outpaced the rest to become the first leader of the race in this edition. However, the Australian sprinter from Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe was not satisfied and claimed another victory in stage 2, proving himself as the best sprinter of the race. Notably, in the first stage, the runner-up was the young rider from TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE, Matthew Brennan.
The third stage brought a dramatic turn in the race. Featuring hilly terrain and finishing in Uraidla, it was dominated by Spanish cyclist Javier Romo from Movistar TEAM. Romo launched an attack in the final stretch, securing both the stage victory and the overall race lead, surpassing Jhonatan Narváez in the general classification.
Stage four was another great opportunity for sprinters, where Frenchman Bryan Coquard from Cofidis claimed victory, edging out German rider Phil Bauhaus. Narváez finished third, earning a four-second time bonus and closing in on Javier Romo in the overall classification, putting himself in contention for the final victory.
The final stage did not disappoint, featuring a 145 km route classified as a medium-mountain stage, ending at Willunga Hill. Narváez entered as the clear favorite and lived up to expectations, winning the stage. Moreover, the Ecuadorian gained enough time over Javier Romo to secure the overall victory of the race.
Final Standings
The final podium standings were as follows:
- Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers) - 17h 26min 02sec
- Javier Romo (Movistar TEAM) - +9s
- Finn Fisher-Black (UAE Team Emirates) - +12s
- Points classification winner: Samuel Welsford (Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe)
- Mountains classification winner: Jhonatan Narváez (INEOS Grenadiers)
- Best Young Rider: Matthew Brennan (TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE)
- Teams classification winner: Movistar TEAM
AlUla Tour
The AlUla Tour took place in Saudi Arabia from February 6 to February 10. Britain's Tom Pidcock made a stunning debut with Q36.5 PRO CYCLING TEAM by winning stage 2 and taking the overall lead. The first stage was won by Tim Merlier, while stages 3 and 4 were claimed by Dylan Groenewegen and Fabio Jakobsen, respectively.
Pidcock managed to defend his lead in the final stage, taking the overall victory.
Final Standings
- Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 PRO CYCLING TEAM) - 13h 28min 12sec
- Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) - +8s
- Dylan Groenewegen (Team Jayco AlUla) - +15s
- Points classification winner: Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 PRO CYCLING TEAM)
- Best Young Rider: Johannes Kulset (Uno-X Mobility)
- Teams classification winner: Uno-X Mobility
UAE Tour
The 2025 UAE Tour took place from February 19 to February 25, featuring seven stages across the United Arab Emirates. The race began with a flat stage, where Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier from Soudal Quick-Step claimed the first stage victory. The second stage was an individual time trial, won by Joshua Tarling of INEOS Grenadiers, putting him in the overall lead.
The general classification battle heated up on stage 3, with the summit finish at Jebel Jais. Adam Yates from UAE Team Emirates made a decisive attack, winning the stage and taking the leader's jersey. Yates managed to defend his position in the following stages, despite strong challenges from Pello Bilbao and Ben O'Connor.
The final stage concluded with the iconic climb to Jebel Hafeet. Yates once again showed his climbing prowess, securing both the stage victory and the overall win.
Final Standings
- Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) - 23h 15min 47sec
- Pello Bilbao (Bahrain Victorious) - +15s
- Ben O'Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team) - +27s
- Points classification winner: Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step)
- Mountains classification winner: Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates)
- Best Young Rider: Johannes Kulset (Uno-X Mobility)
- Teams classification winner: UAE Team Emirates
These early races have set the tone for an exciting 2025 season, with top riders already showcasing their form and setting the stage for upcoming classics and grand tours.
As the 2025 professional cycling season gains momentum, several riders have already made notable impressions, and upcoming races promise to showcase emerging talents and seasoned champions alike.
Riders to Watch
José Vicente Toribio: The Spanish cyclist began his season with a remarkable victory at the Kayanan Road Race, the opening event of the J Pro Tour in Japan. Representing Matrix Powertag, Toribio's win underscores his experience and competitiveness in the Asian circuit.
Cat Ferguson: At just 18, the British cyclist has rapidly ascended the ranks. In her fourth professional race for Movistar, Ferguson clinched victory at the Binche-Chimay-Binche, surpassing seasoned competitors. Her versatility across road, track, and cyclocross disciplines positions her as a rising star in women's cycling.
Merhawi Kudus: The Eritrean climber has joined Burgos BH for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. With extensive experience in Grand Tours and victories like the 2019 Tour of Rwanda, Kudus is expected to be a formidable presence in stage races.
Upcoming Key Races
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad: Scheduled for March 1, 2025, in Belgium, this one-day race marks the beginning of the Spring Classics. Riders to watch include Tom Pidcock, who has already secured four victories this season, and Jasper Philipsen, known for his sprinting prowess.
Strade Bianche: Taking place on March 8, 2025, in Italy, this race is renowned for its challenging gravel sectors. The women's edition is set for the same day, offering a thrilling spectacle for fans.
Paris-Nice: From March 9 to 16, 2025, this French stage race is often dubbed the "Race to the Sun." It serves as a key preparation for the Tour de France, attracting top climbers and time-trial specialists.
Tirreno-Adriatico: Held from March 10 to 16, 2025, in Italy, this stage race is a favorite among sprinters and GC contenders, featuring a mix of flat and mountainous stages.
Milan-San Remo: On March 22, 2025, this iconic Italian one-day race is known for its long distance and the decisive climbs of the Cipressa and Poggio. Sprinters and classics specialists alike vie for the coveted victory.
These events are set to provide thrilling racing and opportunities for both established stars and emerging talents to make their mark on the 2025 cycling season.