The Tour of Huangshan is a 2.1-category stage race set in the dramatic mountain scenery of Anhui Province, China. The general classification is expected to be decided on hilly terrain, though the final kilometres are notably flat, meaning that a rider who can both survive the climbs and handle a reduced-group sprint or a small-group finish will have a decisive edge. With no stages yet run, pre-race form on similar terrain is the clearest guide to who will ultimately stand on the podium in Huangshan.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Xabier Isasa is in a class of his own among the riders assembled here. His win at stage 7 of the Volta a Portugal in similar-profile conditions is the single most telling data point in the entire startlist, and that result is backed up by further top-5 and top-10 finishes on terrain that mirrors what Huangshan will demand. He has the hills ability to stay with the best on the climbs and the complete profile to prevail when the road flattens out.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Xabier Isasa is the standout pick for this GC, having won stage 7 of the Volta a Portugal in similar-profile racing recently and adding a further top-5 finish alongside two top-10s in hilly conditions. His hills stat places him among the better-suited riders in this field, and his recent form on terrain like this is simply the strongest on the startlist.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Eduardo Sepúlveda and Daniel Cavia Sanz make up the second tier. Sepúlveda is arguably the most naturally gifted hills rider in the field and leads a well-organised Li Ning Star team, though he lacks the recent similar-profile results that define the favourite. Cavia Sanz has been almost impossible to shake off the podium in hilly races over the last 90 days, accumulating three top-3 finishes and four top-10s — a record that suggests he will be there at the decisive moment.
Burgos
Burgos
Daniel Cavia Sanz has been the model of consistency in hilly racing over the past 90 days, racking up three top-3 finishes and four top-10s without a win — a record that signals a finisher who regularly competes at the sharp end. He lines up for Burgos alongside strong teammates and is a genuine threat for the overall podium.
Li Ning Star
Li Ning Star
Eduardo Sepúlveda heads the startlist on the hills stat and is one of the most experienced climbers in this field, with a well-balanced profile that suits a hilly GC that finishes on the flat. No recent similar-profile results are on record, but his quality is established and Li Ning Star appear to have built their squad around him.
★★
Dark Horses
Hodei Muñoz, Jordi López, and Lorenzo Quartucci are the best of the dark horses. Muñoz has been quick in similar conditions, López has quietly banked a top-5 and three top-10s in equivalent terrain, and Quartucci matches the very best hills ratings in the field while offering Burgos a strong alternative card if Cavia Sanz falters. Any of these three could gate-crash the podium.
Soudal Quick-Step DT
Soudal Quick-Step DT
Hodei Muñoz posted a top-3 and a top-5 in similar-profile racing over the last 90 days, suggesting he can punch above his hills ranking when the terrain suits. Representing Soudal Quick-Step DT, he carries strong team backing and can be a surprise podium threat.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Jordi López showed competitive edge in hilly races recently, picking up a top-5 and three top-10s, which places him firmly in the second tier of contenders despite the modest results column. His hills ability sits near the top of the Euskaltel-Euskadi roster and he has the profile to compete on this GC.
Burgos
Burgos
Lorenzo Quartucci matches Sepúlveda at the top of the hills rankings and gives Burgos a formidable plan-B option alongside Cavia Sanz. His 11 races in similar-profile events show resilience and consistency, and a flat finish suits his more complete profile.
★
Ones to Watch
Mathias Bregnhøj, Josh Burnett, Calum Johnston, and Nicolás Alustiza round out the top ten as ones to watch. Bregnhøj's all-round profile makes him a threat on a GC that ends on the flat, while Burnett and Johnston give their respective teams extra firepower. Alustiza brings climbing ability and Euskaltel-Euskadi ambition, and would profit most if the decisive selection happens far from the finish line.
Li Ning Star
Li Ning Star
Calum Johnston is a capable hills rider for Li Ning Star who benefits from racing alongside Sepúlveda in what looks like a well-organized squad. His profile suits hilly GC racing and he represents solid outsider value if the race dynamic opens up.
Burgos
Burgos
Josh Burnett's climbing ability nudges ahead of his hills score, giving Burgos a third card to play in this GC — a rare asset for any team. He has started similar-profile races recently, and while results have not materialized yet, the support role could free him to go on the attack.
Terengganu
Terengganu
Mathias Bregnhøj is rated highly across hills and time trial, making him a versatile GC option for Terengganu on a course with a flat finale. No recent similar-profile results are logged, but his well-rounded stat line keeps him firmly in the conversation.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Nicolás Alustiza provides Euskaltel-Euskadi with depth in the GC battle, and his climbing score is among the better in the field even if his hills rating sits a touch lower. He has taken part in similar-profile races recently and is worth watching if the race explodes on the climbs before the flat finish.
Verdict
Xabier Isasa enters as the clear top favourite on the strength of his recent win at the Volta a Portugal and consistent hilly-race results, with Eduardo Sepúlveda and Daniel Cavia Sanz the most dangerous challengers for the overall title.