AlUla Tour to welcome world’s elite back to one of cycling’s most unique destinations

The unique desert tracks of AlUla, a region of major historical and geological significance in Saudi Arabia, await the biggest names from the world of professional cycling for the revamped AlUla Tour in early 2024.

The event, formerly known as the Saudi Tour, returns for a fourth edition and takes place from January 30 – February 3, organised by the Ministry of Sport and The Royal Commission for AlUla in cooperation with the Saudi Cycling Federation and the International Cycling Union (UCI).

The AlUla Tour, held as part of the AlUla Moments sporting season, will welcome over 119 cyclists from 17 teams across the globe – including elite UCI World Tour teams, UCI Continental teams, and Saudi Arabia’s brightest prospects. An MOU was signed today by The Royal Commission for AlUla in cooperation with the Saudi Cycling Federation.

The stunning five stage tour is part of the UCI Asia Tour and a category 2.1 event. Saudi Arabia has become an established world class destination for cycling since 2021 with AlUla providing a stunning route across the city’s challenging terrain alongside historic and world-famous heritage sites – suitable for sprinters, explosive riders and climbers.

The confirmed line-up of teams, riders and stages will be announced at the end of this year.

Inspiring the nation to get healthy and active on bikes, as well as nurturing future sporting talent, are key ambitions of the Saudi Cycling Federation – as part of Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation under Vision 2030.

Abdullah bin Ali Al-Wathlan, Chairman of the Saudi Cycling Federation and Vice Chairman of the Arab Cycling said: “The AlUla Tour has emerged as a major local, regional and international event in recent years. We look forward to welcoming the sport’s best cyclists in one of the sport’s most unique locations; showcased to the world. The AlUla Tour, alongside our global cycling partners, are creating a legacy in this country with more and more people getting access to a sustainable sport that is inspiring people to move, be active and healthy.”

Alongside the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) 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 at Hegra.

Phillip Jones, RCU Chief Tourism Officer, said: “The new AlUla Tour promises to take cycling to another level this year. Welcoming the sport’s elite talent and teams on the UCI Asian Tour across five challenging stages showcases the best of AlUla as a sporting destination. We are just about to open our brand new 45km bike track for road cyclists which is set to be one of most stunning dedicated cycling routes in the world. We really believe AlUla has the potential to become the cycling capital of Saudi Arabia as we create more opportunities for people to watch, be inspired and ride with one the country’s fastest growing sports.”

The AlUla Tour is one of the ‘Sports Events’ festivals on this season’s AlUla Moments calendar that also includes the AlUla Trail Race (11-12 January), Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo (17-20 January) and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup 2024 (February) and more to be announced.