In a thrilling display of strength and determination, African champion Henok Mulubrhan of the Astana Qazaqstan Team secured an impressive second-place finish in Stage Two of the AlUla Tour that took place on 1st of february, 2024 in Saudi Arabia. Racing against a formidable field of competitors, Mulubrhan’s podium finish marked a significant achievement for his team in the early stages of the 2024 cycling season.
The stage, characterized by its challenging terrain and relentless climbs, culminated in a dramatic uphill final on a 3-kilometer-long uncategorized climb, reaching an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Despite the grueling conditions, Mulubrhan demonstrated his resilience and tactical prowess as he navigated through the peloton with precision and determination.
Guided by the expert support of his teammates Nicolas Vinokurov and Alessandro Romele, Mulubrhan positioned himself strategically in the final kilometers of the race, setting the stage for a powerful sprint to the finish line. In a display of sheer grit and determination, Mulubrhan unleashed a formidable sprint, crossing the finish line in an impressive second place.
Reflecting on his performance, Mulubrhan expressed his satisfaction with his podium finish, acknowledging the intensity and challenges of the stage. “I am happy with my performance today,” he remarked. “While I would have liked to take the win, securing a podium place after such a tough stage is a significant achievement.”
Mulubrhan also praised the unwavering support of his team throughout the race, emphasizing their crucial role in his success. “I want to thank all my teammates for their exceptional support during the entire race,” he said. “From start to finish, they worked tirelessly to protect me in the peloton and ensure I remained in a strong position. Their efforts were instrumental in our success today.”
Following his outstanding performance, Mulubrhan moved up to third place in the General Classification of the AlUla Tour after two days of racing, further solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the cycling world.
The AlUla Tour Stage Two results showcased the impressive talent and competitiveness of the cyclists:
- Søren Wærenskjold (Nor) Uno-X Mobility
- Henok Mulubrhan (Eri) Astana Qazaqstan
- Nils Eekhoff (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
- Bryan Coquard (Fra) Cofidis
- Casper van Uden (Ned) dsm-firmenich PostNL
- Jordi Warlop (Bel) Soudal Quick-Step
- Rick Pluimers (Ned) Tudor
- Maikel Zijlaard (Ned) Tudor
- Pierre Latour (Fra) TotalEnergies
- Iván Romeo (Spa) Movistar
As the AlUla Tour continues, cycling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Mulubrhan’s future performances and the Astana Qazaqstan Team’s continued success on the road. With Mulubrhan leading the charge, the team’s determination and resilience are poised to leave an enduring mark on the cycling world.