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Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team makes 2024 season debut at AlUla Tour

Get ready for the thrilling season opener as the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team gears up for the AlUla Tour in the historical region of AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Formerly known as Saudi Tour, this five-stage race is set to unfold between January 30th and February 3rd, covering a challenging course spanning 816km with nearly 6,000 meters of elevation gain.

27 January 2024.
Photo Credit: SprintCycling

Traditionally favoring the sprinters, the AlUla Tour also promises intriguing opportunities for puncheurs, adding an element of excitement to the mix.

Leading the charge as the designated sprinter for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team is Matteo Moschetti, who shares his anticipation for the AlUla Tour, marking his first race of the season after a rigorous winter preparation.

“I have a lot of expectations for Alula tour. It will be my first race of the season after a long winter. I’m eager to start well the season and to test myself after the work that we’ve put in during this pre-season. I believe we’ll have two, three sprint chances and I’m really looking forward to giving it my best shot. It’s the first time for me racing at Alula Tour but In the past I’ve always enjoyed racing in the desert in hot conditions so I’m really looking forward to this race,” said Moschetti.

Supporting Moschetti in the fast finishes will be a formidable lineup, including Swiss rider Fabio Christen, American Joey Rosskopf, and Tobias Ludvigsson from Sweden. These riders, integral to leadout duties, will likewise play pivotal roles in navigating the flat terrains of the race. Completing the seven-man roster are newcomer Xabier Mikel Azparren, along with Italians Gianluca Brambilla and Filippo Conca, forming a well-rounded and dynamic team.

Photo Credit: SprintCycling
Photo Credit: SprintCycling

The race kicks off with Stage 1, a 150km journey starting and finishing at AlManshiya Train Station, providing sprinters with an early opportunity to shine in the desert landscape. The excitement continues on the following day with the longest stage, a 199.1km route from Winter Park to Sharaan Nature Reserve, featuring a more explosive finale.

Stage 3, commencing at AlUla International Airport and concluding at AlUla Camel Cup Track (170.6km), poses challenges with its flat but exposed terrain, potentially introducing crosswinds as a strategic factor. Stage 4, scheduled for February 2, takes cyclists from Hegra to Maraya over 142.2km, offering another chance for the sprinters to showcase their fast

The grand finale unfolds with Stage 5, starting at AlUla Old Town and concluding at the Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid (150.2km), promising a spectacular conclusion to the AlUla Tour.

Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team Roster – AlUla Tour:

Xabier Azparren
Gianluca Brambilla
Fabio Christen
Filippo Conca
Tobias Ludvigsson
Matteo Moschetti
Joey Rosskopf