Jan Christen Clinches AlUla Tour General Classification With Solo Climb For UAE Team Emirates-XRG

Jan Christen secured overall victory at the AlUla Tour after winning stage 5 with a decisive ride. The Swiss rider overturned a 33-second deficit on the final day to claim the leader’s jersey. UAE Team Emirates-XRG also celebrated third overall with Igor Arrieta and wrapped up the Team Classification.

The closing stage saw UAE Team Emirates-XRG place two riders on both the stage and final podiums. Christen won the 3:36:05 stage, while Arrieta finished third on the day and in the general classification. Across the week, the team rode a controlled race before striking decisively on the last climb.

On the run to the Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid, Christen waited patiently before attacking. The 21-year-old joined a select group on the final ascent, then launched a solo move inside the last 10km. Once clear, Christen maintained the pace and crossed the line 32 seconds ahead of general classification rivals.

That time gain, combined with bonus seconds, was enough to overturn Christen’s morning deficit. The performance delivered Christen a first general classification success in a stage race. For UAE Team Emirates-XRG, the result capped a week in which the squad timed its efforts late, yet left with multiple podium finishes.

Stage 5 of the AlUla Tour ended with a clear hierarchy among the front group. Christen took the win ahead of Byron Unton, with Arrieta completing the podium. Team-mate Kevin Vermaerke also placed inside the top ten on the day, reinforcing the strength of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

The final general classification reflected the late reshuffle created by Christen’s attack on stage 5. Christen topped the standings with a 17:23:43 total time. Behind, Sergio Higuita finished second overall at 13 seconds, while Arrieta secured third. Vermaerke completed a solid campaign with 11th place, 39 seconds from the lead.

The AlUla Tour closed with UAE Team Emirates-XRG leaving with the overall title, two riders on the final podium, and a stage win. Christen’s breakthrough general classification success and Arrieta’s consistency underlined the team’s tactics. The decisive moves on the road to Harrat Uwayrid defined the outcome of the race.

With inputs from WAM