The sixth edition of the AlUla Tour, a global sporting event combining physical challenge with the breathtaking natural beauty of the historic AlUla region, kicked off on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This year's race features 17 elite international cycling teams, represented by 119 professional cyclists, competing across five crucial stages.

Background and development of the race

The Tour of AlUla, formerly known as the Saudi Tour, is a prominent event on the UCI Asia Tour calendar. Launched in 2020, the race quickly gained international recognition thanks to its professional organization, a collaboration between the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Royal Commission for AlUla, and the renowned ASO, organizers of the Tour de France. This event aligns with the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global destination for major sporting events, diversify its economy, and showcase its rich cultural and historical heritage.

The importance and impact of the event

The importance of the AlUla Tour extends far beyond the sporting aspect, encompassing economic, tourism, and cultural dimensions. Locally, the race contributes to promoting cycling and inspiring a new generation of Saudi athletes. Internationally, the race serves as a unique marketing platform for AlUla, broadcasting stunning images of the race routes winding through unique rock formations and World Heritage sites like Hegra to millions of viewers worldwide, thus enhancing AlUla's status as a world-class tourist destination. The event also attracts international media attention and professional teams, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of the global sporting scene.

Details of the first phase and its results

The first stage of the race, covering a distance of 158 kilometers, began at the camel racing track, witnessing fierce competition among the riders amidst the stunning desert terrain. The final sprint determined the stage's outcome, with Italian rider Jonathan Milan of the Lidl Trek team securing first place with a time of 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 32 seconds. Belgian rider Milan Fritten of the Cofidis team finished second, four seconds behind, while Italian rider Matteo Muschetti of the Q36.5 Pro Cycling team came in third, six seconds back.

Next stages

The excitement of the race continues tomorrow, Wednesday, with the start of the second stage, which extends for a distance of 152 kilometers, starting and ending at Al-Manshia train station, as the cyclists continue their journey in exploring the enchanting landmarks of Al-Ula and competing for the title of the sixth edition of this prestigious tour.

In a move reflecting his keenness to ensure his team is fully prepared, Al-Nassr's Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, refused to grant any of his players exceptional rest following their valuable victory over Al-Taawoun, focusing particularly on the condition of young player Ayman Yahya. Jesus insisted that Yahya continue his intensive rehabilitation program without interruption, aiming to expedite his return to matches before the anticipated clash against Al-Kholoud next Friday evening in the Saudi Professional League.

Background to the decision and the importance of the player

Jesus's decision comes within a carefully considered strategic context, as Ayman Yahya is considered a key and future player for Al-Nassr. The player has been sidelined with a thigh injury, impacting the Portuguese coach's attacking options. Jesus believes that Yahya's swift return will provide the team with additional tactical depth and attacking power on the wings, especially given the congested fixture schedule and the fierce competition for the league title. The coach's insistence on continuing the rehabilitation program reflects his philosophy of not tolerating any compromise on physical conditioning and demanding complete commitment from all players.

The competitive context of the Roshan League

The Saudi Professional League is no longer just a local competition; it has transformed into a global destination for stars, raising the level of competition to unprecedented heights. In this context, Al-Nassr, led by its global star Cristiano Ronaldo, understands that every match and every point is crucial in the long and arduous title race. The recent 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun demonstrated that winning matches requires the readiness of all players. Therefore, Jesus's decision to accelerate Yahya's recovery is not seen as an individual decision, but rather as part of a comprehensive strategy to maintain the momentum of victories and compete strongly on all fronts, both domestically and continentally.

The expected impact of Yahya's return

The return of Ayman Yahya represents a significant morale and tactical boost for Al-Nassr. His speed, individual skills, and versatility in multiple attacking positions will provide the coach with additional options to break down the defensive formations the team often faces. Furthermore, having a talented young Saudi player alongside established international names strengthens the team's identity and sets a positive example for local players. Al-Nassr fans eagerly await the return of their young star, hoping he will contribute to achieving the club's ambitions this season, starting with the match against Al-Kholoud, where the team aims to continue its successful run.

In a move reflecting its strong determination to bolster its squad, Turkish club Fenerbahçe has renewed its pursuit of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, submitting an improved official offer for the services of French midfielder N'Golo Kanté during the current winter transfer window. This intensified effort comes as the Turkish giants seek to strengthen their midfield with a world-class player capable of making a difference in their fierce battle for the Turkish league title.

Background of the deal and the sporting context

Fenerbahçe's interest in Kanté comes at a crucial time in the season. The club is fiercely competing for the top spot in the domestic league and sees the French player, a 2018 World Cup winner and Champions League winner, as the ideal piece to complete their tactical system. On the other hand, N'Golo Kanté is one of the most prominent names to have joined the Saudi Professional League in the summer of 2023, as part of a high-profile project to attract international stars. His move from Chelsea to Al-Ittihad was more than just a sporting transaction; it was a powerful message about the ambitions of Saudi football and its ability to attract top talent.

Kante's importance to the club and the impact of his potential departure

Since arriving in Jeddah, Kanté has quickly proven his worth, becoming a cornerstone of Al-Ittihad's squad. Despite some challenges the team has faced, Kanté's performance has remained consistent and impactful, as demonstrated in his recent match against Al-Akhdoud, where he scored one goal and assisted another, reaffirming his exceptional quality. Losing him mid-season would be a significant blow to Al-Ittihad's ambitions, not only domestically but also in their efforts to maintain their status as a regional football powerhouse. Furthermore, the departure of a star of Kanté's caliber just months after his arrival could raise questions about the Saudi league's ability to retain its stars in the long term, given the allure of major European clubs.

International dimensions of the deal

Internationally, these negotiations are being watched with great interest. Fenerbahçe's success in convincing Kanté to return to Europe would be a major victory for the Turkish league, while some would see it as an indication that the appeal of traditional European leagues remains strong. According to the reliable journalist Yağız Sabunçoğlu, Fenerbahçe's new offer demonstrates the club's seriousness in finalizing the deal, presenting Al-Ittihad's management with a difficult decision: to hold onto one of the team's most valuable assets, or to succumb to the tempting financial offer and reassess the team's future plans.