Get ready for a thrilling showdown at the UAE Tour 2026, where the cycling world is buzzing with anticipation. Can Isaac del Toro dethrone the reigning champion, Antonio Tiberi, on the iconic Jebel Hafeet? And what about Remco Evenepoel—will he stage a spectacular comeback? These questions are on everyone’s lips as the peloton gears up for Stage 6, a pivotal moment in this prestigious race.
From February 16th to 22nd, the Middle East will once again host the second World Tour stage-race of the season: the UAE Tour. Known for its flat stages and scorching temperatures, this event has become a magnet for the world’s top cyclists. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the UAE Tour’s dominance in attracting big names solely due to its financial clout, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive in.
The UAE Tour is a relatively young race, established in 2019 following the success of the Abu Dhabi Tour and the Dubai Tour. With its strategic timing in February, favorable weather for training, and World Tour status, it has quickly risen to prominence. The inaugural edition in 2019 saw Primoz Roglic claim victory ahead of then-World Champion Alejandro Valverde, setting the stage for future drama.
The race’s importance skyrocketed with the growth of UAE Team Emirates, the nation’s homegrown squad. Adam Yates secured the title in 2020, followed by Tadej Pogacar’s back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022. Remco Evenepoel dominated in 2023, while Lennert van Eetvelt took the crown in 2024. In 2025, Tadej Pogacar returned with a vengeance, winning both the Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet stages in a dominant display.
Stage 6: Zayed National Museum to Abu Dhabi Breakwater (149 kilometers)
This stage is a pan-flat affair, almost guaranteed to end in a bunch sprint. Unlike previous editions, the wind is unlikely to play a significant role, offering riders a relatively calm 149 kilometers before the final sprint. But don’t be fooled—the heat will be relentless, adding an unpredictable element to the race.
Weather Watch: The scorching temperatures will test riders’ endurance, but a potential tailwind on the final climb could shake things up. This makes it harder for major gaps to form but favors early attackers, setting the stage for a thrilling GC battle.
The Contenders:
Antonio Tiberi: The Italian has been unstoppable so far, but can he maintain his form? Tiberi’s strategy on Jebel Mobrah was brute force, but Jebel Hafeet demands a different approach. He’ll need to conserve energy for the final push, where recovery zones are scarce. While he’s not invincible, his recent performances suggest he’s at his peak. Damiano Caruso and Afonso Eulálio could provide crucial support, but is Tiberi’s dominance sustainable, or will he crack under pressure?
Isaac del Toro: Del Toro played it safe on Jebel Mobrah, a tactic that paid off. However, Jebel Hafeet requires aggression. He’ll need to attack early and make a decisive move, supported by UAE Team Emirates and Adam Yates. Can he distance Tiberi and secure the GC lead? His powerful sprint makes him a strong contender for the stage win, but will his conservative approach come back to haunt him?
Remco Evenepoel: After a disappointing day on Jebel Mobrah, Evenepoel is eager to prove himself. With two easy stages behind him, he’s in prime condition to challenge for the win. His climbing ability, combined with his ability to attack on flat sections, makes him a wildcard. Even in a sprint, he’s a force to be reckoned with. But can he truly bounce back, or is he past his prime?
Other riders like Lennert van Eetvelt, Harold Tejada, Derek Gee, and Felix Gall will also be in the mix. Van Eetvelt, in particular, is a dark horse after his strong showing on the queen stage. However, this stage will ultimately boil down to a GC battle among the top contenders.
Prediction for Stage 6:
*** Isaac del Toro, Remco Evenepoel
** Antonio Tiberi, Lennert van Eetvelt
* Felix Gall, Harold Tejada, Derek Gee, Tobias Johannessen, Ilan van Wilder, Luke Plapp, Michael Storer
Pick: Isaac del Toro
How: Small group sprint.
Final Thought: The UAE Tour 2026 is shaping up to be a battle of wills, tactics, and endurance. But here’s the real question: Who do you think will emerge victorious on Jebel Hafeet? Will Tiberi hold on, or will del Toro or Evenepoel steal the show? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
