There is more than a month to go until the next UAE Tour , scheduled for 16 to 22 February 2026, but there is an increasing feeling that it could be the first real watershed in the Fantacycling championship.

The Emirati race has changed category this season , moving from Category 5 to Category 4. Meaning? Many more fantasy points up for grabs and the chance to make a difference as early as February, even before Strade Bianche and the crucial Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice races.

In addition to the promotion, the UAE Tour is 'gathering' increasingly stronger riders in its startlist: after Del Toro 's confirmation, Evenepoel 's presence seems increasingly likely and today confirmation came from Vingegaard .

Furthermore, the UAE Tour has always been a race suited to sprinters and among them Milan and Kooij have already confirmed their presence.

The official route has not yet been released, but the working scheme with 4 sprints, a time trial and the two uphill finishes of Jebel Jais and Jebel Hafeet now seems to be established.