Eulálio Claims Second on Stage 3 Summit Finish at AlUla
# Eulálio Secures Second Place as Bahrain Victorious Shines in AlUla Tour Stage 3
Bahrain Victorious once again demonstrated their competitive prowess during Stage 3 of the 2026 AlUla Tour, with Afonso Eulálio finishing as the runner-up in a gripping summit finish. This stage, spanning 142.1 kilometers, marked both the shortest of the tour and the first decisive uphill challenge, concluding at Bir Jaydah Mountain Wirkah after starting from Winter Park.
From the outset, the early kilometers saw a cautious approach, with a small breakaway initially enjoying limited freedom. However, as the peloton, primarily led by UAE Team Emirates, intensified the pace, the breakaway was swiftly reeled in, setting the stage for the climactic finale.
Eulálio’s team executed an impressive strategy, ensuring he was well-positioned as they approached the critical ascent. The final climb saw Jan Christen from UAE Team Emirates initiate a sharp acceleration, momentarily creating distance within the last three kilometers. Christen managed to cling onto a slight lead as the favorites began their pursuit.
As the race entered the concluding thousand meters, Afonso Eulálio sprang into action, bridging the gap and temporarily distancing Christen, appearing poised to secure stage victory. However, Yannis Voisard (Tudor Pro Cycling) and Sergio Higuita (XDS Astana) soon caught up. Higuita made a bold attack, but Eulálio responded effectively. In a nail-biting finish, Voisard surged ahead in the final 200 meters to clinch the stage win, with Eulálio finishing second and Higuita in third. All three riders finished with the same time, gaining six seconds on other favorites in the overall standings.
With this performance, Eulálio not only claimed a podium finish but also took the lead in the young rider classification, moving within just four seconds of the overall race lead after three stages. Bahraini Victorious is riding the wave of momentum as they look ahead to the remaining stages of the AlUla Tour.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Eulálio expressed mixed emotions: “In the final I’m happy and sad… for me and for the team. I think we started this race well, we battled a lot. The team did an incredible job for me, they believed in me. In the last two days it was super hard with echelons and we rode hard at the front. I have to say thank you to the team for believing in me.”
When asked about leading the best young rider classification, he added, “I’m a little bit more happy for the white jersey, but we missed the victory and we’ll keep fighting for the GC.”
As Bahrain Victorious looks forward to the next stages, Eulálio’s determination and the team’s seamless collaboration continue to inspire hope for future success in the AlUla Tour.
