18 global teams and 126 riders gear up for the five-stage category 2.1 event
Formerly the Saudi Tour, the event returns for its fourth edition from January 30 – February 3
Challenge awaits sprinters, rouleurs and climbers on AlUla’s iconic route.
AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is set to host the fourth edition of the AlUla Tour (formerly the Saudi Tour) from January 30 to February 3, 2024. The UCI 2.1 stage race, sanctioned by the Saudi Arabian Cycling Federation, will attract the world’s top professional cyclists for a captivating race across five stages within the stunning landscapes, natural beauty, and ancient history of AlUla.
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in international cycling, the AlUla Tour positions the historic destination as a top-tier stage for competitive cycling. Nine prominent UCI World Tour teams including Team Jayco AlUla (AUS), UAE Team Emirates (UAE), Bora Hansgrohe (GER), and Soudal Quick-Step (BEL), alongside five UCI Pro teams including Uno-X Mobility (NOR) and TotalEnergies (FRA), as well as three UCI Continental teams representing Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, will be in competition. Additionally, a squad from the Saudi Arabian Cycling Federation will be competing in this year’s AlUla Tour.
The AlUla Tour’s five-stage route winds through the extraordinary landscapes of AlUla, racing amidst a living museum of preserved tombs, historic dwellings, monuments, and breathtaking geological formations, encapsulating 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history. The 2024 AlUla Tour promises a journey through time and nature, celebrating the history, culture, and the beauty of the AlUla landscape.
1st Stage – Tuesday, 30 January: Al Manshiyah Train Station Loop
Starting and concluding at the Al Manshiyah Train Station, this 149.1 km stage retraces the footsteps of the legendary Hijaz Railways, once a crucial stop along the pilgrimage route. The route passes through AlManshiyah Plaza, a vibrant modern community that has revitalized the historic station area.
2nd Stage – Wednesday, 31 January: Winter Park to Sharaan Nature Reserve
Embarking from the Winter Park, this 199.1 km sprint explores the captivating Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, before concluding in the awe-inspiring Sharaan Nature Reserve.
3rd Stage – Thursday, 1 February: AlUla International Airport to Camel Cup Track
A 170.6km sprint leg, showcases both evolving infrastructure and regional heritage, starting at AlUla International Airport—a key travel hub undergoing redevelopment in alignment with RCU’s goals for cultural and environmental capital development—and concluding at the Camel Cup Track.
4th Stage – Friday, 2 February: Hegra to Maraya
Starting at the Nabataean site of Hegra, the 142.2 km route showcases more than 110 beautifully preserved monumental tombs. The stage concludes at Maraya, a modern architectural marvel serving as a multi-purpose concert and entertainment venue. With its mirrored facade, Maraya has hosted world-class concerts and events, making it one of the region’s most iconic cultural hubs.
5th Stage – Saturday, 3 February: AlUla Old Town to Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid
The final stage covers 150.2 km, traversing AlUla Old Town, AlJadidah Arts District, farms, verdant oases, and Hegra, before concluding with Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid. The route encompasses the rich heritage of the Old Town, the vibrant cultural oasis, and the conservation efforts in Harrat Uwayrid.
Alongside the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Royal Commission for AlUla is creating multiple opportunities and touchpoints through cycling across all levels. This includes two mass participation rides alongside the AlUla Tour for juniors and the wider public. RCU has also created environmentally friendly initiatives through local bike tracks, hubs, desert biking tours, mountain biking options and electric bikes located throughout the destination.
Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer for the Royal Commission for AlUla, highlights the importance of hosting the AlUla Tour saying, “Welcoming a major sporting event like the AlUla Tour solidifies AlUla’s and Saudi Arabia’s standing as hosts for major international competitions, and align with the transformative goals of the nation’s Vision 2030 strategy. Our role as the official naming partner for the AlUla Tour and through our continued collaboration with Team Jayco AlUla demonstrate our commitment to the sport and contributes to our broader vision for AlUla to be globally recognised as a destination for cycling enthusiasts to visit. We look forward to welcoming cycling enthusiasts worldwide to discover AlUla on their bikes, immerse themselves in the region’s unique heritage and landmarks, and explore dedicated cycling trails while experiencing the warm hospitality that AlUla has to offer.”
For the latest AlUla Tour updates and to follow the race, visit www.thealulatour.com
The AlUla Tour features as part of the wider sporting calendar during this season’s ‘AlUla Moments’, which includes the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo from 17 – 20 January, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup taking part in February, showcasing AlUla’s commitment to diverse and world-class athletic competition.
