Eulálio and Kepplinger to lead Bahrain Victorious at AlUla Tour
### Bahrain Victorious Assembles Strong Team for Upcoming AlUla Tour
Bahrain Victorious is set to make a formidable appearance at the 2026 AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from January 27 to 31. This grueling race spans approximately 800 kilometers across five stages, featuring a mix of rapid sprinting routes and crucial uphill challenges that will significantly impact the general classification (GC). The key hurdles include the steep ascents of Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah and Harrat Uwayrid, both posing a test of climbing prowess with a gradient of approximately 15 percent over 2 kilometers.
The team will be led by Afonso Eulálio and Rainer Kepplinger, both of whom are highly adept at tackling the challenging climbs that the race demands. Alongside them, sprinter Phil Bauhaus will spearhead the team’s sprinting ambitions, supported by Daniel Skerl and Alessandro Borgo, who will form an effective sprint train.
Sports Director Michał Gołaś emphasized the strategic importance of the balance within the team. He stated, “As every year, the AlUla Tour provides opportunities for sprinters, and we also have two stages that will shape the GC. There is a new uphill finish, plus the classic ‘wall’ with a flat run-in on Stage 5. Those two stages will decide the general classification.” Gołaś indicated that the team would need to be vigilant against strong crosswinds, which could impact race dynamics.
“We need to have a strong team around the leaders, as we expect crosswinds in a couple of stages and must protect Afonso and Rainer, who will fight for GC,” he added. He highlighted the strength of their squad, including experienced rider Kamil Gradek and promising Development Team member Seth Dunwoody, who will help with the lead-out during the flatter stages.
Co-leader Afonso Eulálio approached his leadership role with humility and a team-first perspective. He remarked, “We have Phil to fight for victories on the fast stages, along with Daniel Skerl, who is also very quick, so we’ll try to win one of the sprint stages. For the GC, we have Rainer Kepplinger, who was fighting for the podium last year, and I hope to have good legs as well to be in the mix.”
Eulálio also described the unique characteristics of the race, noting, “It’s simple: mostly flat and on good roads. There are two harder stages with small climbs where we’ll need to be strong, but the most dangerous aspect of the race is the unpredictable wind that can create echelons.”
As the team gears up for this demanding event, all eyes will be on Bahrain Victorious to see how their strategic planning unfolds in pursuit of both stage wins and general classification success.
