The Tour of Guangxi General Classification is a prestigious 2.UWT stage race held in southern China, traditionally featuring hilly stages with punchy, selective hilltop finishes that reward climbers who can also perform on repeated difficult days. The 2026 edition, running to October 13th, brings together a high-quality international field in what is one of the final major GC opportunities of the WorldTour season. With a profile suited to climbers and punchy all-rounders rather than pure mountains specialists or sprinters, positioning and team tactics across the week will be decisive.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Tom Pidcock is simply the most complete rider for this profile in the startlist: top-rated for hills, with five top-3 finishes and nine top-10s in similar races recently, capped by a win in stage 1 of the GP Industria & Artigianato. He is the Legendary-class favourite and the rider every GC contender must plan around.
Pinarello-Q36.5
Pinarello-Q36.5
Tom Pidcock arrives as the standout favorite: he leads the field in hills suitability, has five top-3 finishes in similar-profile races recently including a win in stage 1 of the GP Industria & Artigianato, and nine top-10s in hilly conditions over the past 90 days. His Legendary card rating and confirmed presence at this race underline his status as the man to beat.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Kévin Vauquelin and Juan Ayuso are the two most credible rivals to Pidcock. Vauquelin's recent win in stage 4 of the Giro d'Abruzzo demonstrates he can win on hilly terrain, and his climbing and time trial strengths are both formidable. Ayuso's climbing ability is exceptional — arguably the finest in this field — and his race programme suggests he arrives targeting a result here.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Juan Ayuso brings exceptional climbing ability — among the very best in this startlist — alongside strong time trial capability, making him well suited to a hilly GC race. Although his recent similar-profile results are quieter than some rivals, his Legendary pedigree and confirmed start (also racing Il Lombardia in the same window) signal a sharp peak of form.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Kévin Vauquelin is one of the most complete hilly-race performers in the field, with a win in stage 4 of the Giro d'Abruzzo among four top-10s in similar-profile races recently. His climbing ability matches Pidcock's and his time trial strength adds a further dimension on any transitional day.
★★
Dark Horses
Louis Barré enters on the back of outstanding recent form with two wins in similar-profile races, while Daniel Felipe Martínez's win in stage 4 of the CRO Race confirms he can deliver on punchy terrain. Maxim Van Gils completes this tier as a named target-setter for Red Bull - BORA and one of the most physically suited riders in the peloton to Guangxi's demands.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Daniel Felipe Martínez has proven his hilly-race credentials with a win in stage 4 of the CRO Race in recent months, and his climbing and time trial balance makes him a genuine GC threat on a course like Guangxi. Red Bull - BORA's strong squad backing could allow him to race aggressively.
Visma - Lease a Bike
Visma - Lease a Bike
Louis Barré has been one of the most active performers in similar-profile races recently, with two wins — stage 2 of the Deutschland Tour and stage 6 of the Tour de Pologne — and four top-10 finishes. His hills suitability is among the highest non-Legendary riders in this field.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Maxim Van Gils is one of the strongest all-round hilly riders in this peloton and has confirmed Guangxi as a primary target. His hills suitability is very high and his punchy, dynamic style suits finishes with late climbs well.
★
Ones to Watch
Ilan Van Wilder's exceptional time trial capability could give him an edge if the GC hinges on any individual effort stage, while Jarno Widar's win in stage 1 of the Tre Valli Varesine marks him as a young talent capable of punching above his ranking. Clément Champoussin is a confirmed starter with relevant experience racing in this part of the world, and Marco Brenner's steady accumulation of top-10s in hilly races makes him a quiet dark horse for a stage or a GC placing.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Clément Champoussin is a confirmed starter with solid hills suitability and has experience racing in Asian climates, also appearing at the Hong Kong Cyclothon in the same period. He is a credible outsider for top-10 honours.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Ilan Van Wilder combines excellent hills aptitude with a standout time trial stat — one of the best in the field — making him a threat if the GC race comes down to a test against the clock. He lacks recent similar-profile wins but is confirmed for this race and capable of podium surprises.
Lotto Intermarché
Lotto Intermarché
Jarno Widar claimed a win in stage 1 of the Tre Valli Varesine recently, demonstrating genuine ability in punchy, hilly finishes. Still a young talent, he is one to watch if the race opens up for aggressive riders.
Tudor Pro Cycling
Tudor Pro Cycling
Marco Brenner has been quietly consistent in hilly racing recently, accumulating two top-3 finishes and five top-10s in similar-profile races. His ability to perform across multiple stages gives Tudor Pro Cycling a useful GC card.
Verdict
Tom Pidcock is the clear top favourite, combining the strongest hills profile in the field with a rich vein of recent similar-race form; his closest threats come from Kévin Vauquelin and Juan Ayuso, while Louis Barré and Maxim Van Gils could spring a surprise if the week's racing fragments the GC group.