Jan Christen Claims Stunning Overall Victory on Stage 5 of the AlUla Tour
RIYADH, 2nd February, 2026 — Swiss rider Jan Christen produced a remarkable performance to secure victory on stage 5 of the AlUla Tour, clinching his first General Classification (GC) win in a stage race. His inspired ride also ensured his team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, claimed the Team Classification, with teammates playing pivotal roles throughout the race.
With two riders on the final podium, the concluding stage proved nothing short of spectacular for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The squad, tactical and patient all week, executed a perfect finale, capturing every major accolade in the process. For the 21-year-old Christen, his stage win and overall triumph signal a new milestone in his burgeoning career.
On the decisive final climb, Christen maintained a watchful approach, positioning himself within an elite breakaway group at the front. Inside the last 10 km, he unleashed a bold solo attack, opening up a decisive gap on his rivals. With unwavering determination, he crossed the finish some 32 seconds clear of the general classification contenders.
Starting the day with a 33-second deficit, Christen’s resilience and strategic use of bonus seconds propelled him into the coveted leader’s jersey on the final podium — a reward richly merited after his courageous move on the road to the Skyviews of Harrat Uwayrid.
Stage 5 results saw Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) take first place in 3:36:05, trailed by Byron Unton (Modern Adventure Pro Cycling) in second at +11 seconds, and Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) completing the podium in third at +32 seconds. Kevin Vermaerke, also part of Emirates-XRG, finished in eighth at +39 seconds.
In the final General Classification standings after stage 5, Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) secured overall victory in 17:23:43. Sergio Higuita (XDS Astana Team) followed in second at +13 seconds, with Igor Arrieta (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) achieving third at +21 seconds. Kevin Vermaerke rounded out the team’s effort, placing 11th at +39 seconds.
The 2026 AlUla Tour will be remembered for the tenacity, teamwork, and breakout triumph of Jan Christen and UAE Team Emirates-XRG—a performance that puts both rider and team firmly in the international cycling spotlight.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
