Lorena Wiebes Wins UAE Tour Stage 1: Continues Dominant Sprint Streak | 2026 Update

The relentless winning streak of Lorena Wiebes continues. The Dutch sprinter of SD Worx-Protime emphatically announced her arrival at the 2026 season, claiming victory in the opening stage of the UAE Tour on Thursday in Madinat Zayed. This win extends an impressive run of form that stretches back to September 7th, solidifying her position as the dominant force in women’s sprinting.

Lara Gillespie (UAE ADQ) finished second, with Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM) rounding out the podium. Wiebes’ victory wasn’t simply a matter of speed; she highlighted the tactical execution of her team and the ability to capitalize on opportunities presented by other competitors. “It’s a great start to the season, we did a good job as a team in the last 10km,” Wiebes stated after the finish. “I knew from two years ago that this was a difficult finish. It’s a long way in a straight line, but we could also use the other teams in the final and luckily, I found the gap to sprint.”

The win is a clear indication that Wiebes has successfully carried over the exceptional form that saw her secure 25 road victories in the previous season, along with further successes on gravel and the velodrome. Her current record stands at five wins in five races, with only one defeat in her last ten starts – a testament to her consistency and power.

The question now is whether anyone can challenge Wiebes in the remaining two sprint stages of the four-day UAE Tour. Gillespie, Bäckstedt, and Charlotte Kool (Fenix Premier Tech) will undoubtedly be aiming to disrupt her dominance, but they face a formidable opponent. Wiebes’ ability to read a sprint, position herself effectively, and unleash a powerful final surge makes her a difficult rider to beat.

While the sprinters battle for stage wins, the general classification contenders are also assessing their form. Defending UAE Tour champion Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE ADQ) finished among the main group on Thursday, signaling her intent to defend her title. The real test for the GC riders will come on Sunday, with the decisive stage up Jebel Hafeet.

The climb of Jebel Hafeet will likely separate the contenders, with riders like Longo Borghini, Marlen Reusser (Movistar), Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), Kim Le Court (AG Insurance Soudal), and Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) expected to be at the forefront. These riders represent a diverse range of strengths and tactical approaches, promising a compelling battle for the overall victory.

The men’s UAE Tour, featuring prominent riders such as Jonas Vingegaard, Isaac del Toro, and Remco Evenepoel, is scheduled to begin on February 16th. However, the early focus remains on the women’s race and the captivating form of Lorena Wiebes. Her performance at the UAE Tour is not only a demonstration of her individual talent but also a reflection of the strength and depth of the SD Worx-Protime team.

Wiebes’ success also raises the broader question of how long she can maintain this level of dominance. As she herself acknowledged, “There will be a point that I will be beaten in a sprint,” but for now, she appears to be operating at a level above her rivals. Her ability to consistently deliver results under pressure is a hallmark of a true champion, and her performance at the UAE Tour is a clear indication that she is ready to continue her winning ways in 2026.

The UAE Tour represents an important early-season opportunity for riders to gauge their form and test their strategies ahead of the major races later in the year. For Wiebes, it’s a chance to build momentum and solidify her position as the world’s leading sprinter. For the GC contenders, it’s a proving ground for their climbing prowess and tactical acumen. And for cycling fans, it’s a thrilling spectacle of speed, strength, and determination.

UAE Tour Women stage 1: