The Tour of Magnificent Qinghai is a 2.Pro-level stage race set in China's high-altitude Qinghai region, traditionally featuring challenging mountain stages that test pure climbing ability before a flat final-stage finish. The GC is expected to be decided on the mountain passes, rewarding riders with strong climbing stats and the ability to sustain effort at altitude. The flat finish to the final stage marginally benefits all-rounders who can supplement their climbing with a decent sprint.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Alessandro Fancellu is the standout pick based on the strongest recent form average in climbing races (6.3 across three events) and a best result of 4th. His MBH Bank CSB team offers solid support, and his consistency — three top-10s without a single poor outlier — is unmatched in this field.
MBH Bank CSB
MBH Bank CSB
Alessandro Fancellu leads all climbers in recent form with an average finishing position of 6.3 across three mountain-profile races, including a best result of 4th. His climbing stat of 73 and consistent top-10 finishes make him the clear favorite heading into Qinghai.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Henok Mulubrhan and Jon Agirre both combine climbing stats of 73 with proven form in mountain races. Mulubrhan's elite sprint (71) is a bonus on any flat finale, while Agirre's five-race sample size gives the most reliable picture of sustained GC ability in this group.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Henok Mulubrhan posts the second-best recent form average at 9.0 from two climbing races, with a best result of 8th, and boasts an impressive sprint stat of 71 useful on a flat summit finish. His upcoming calendar including La Vuelta signals peak form ambitions.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Jon Agirre averages 13.2 across five mountain-profile races with three top-10 finishes and a best of 6th, showing remarkable consistency for Euskaltel-Euskadi. His climbing rating of 73 matches Fancellu and Mulubrhan, giving him genuine GC credentials.
★★
Dark Horses
Cristián Rodríguez, Simon Carr, and Alex Tolio each bring complementary strengths: Rodríguez the highest raw climbing number, Carr an elite TT score to gain time in any race against the clock, and Tolio quiet consistency across five mountain races. All three could realistically disrupt the top two if conditions align.
Bardiani CSF
Bardiani CSF
Alex Tolio averages 16.0 from five mountain races with two top-10 finishes and a best of 9th for Bardiani CSF. His climbing stat of 72 and solid recent consistency make him a credible dark-horse pick at a race level where depth matters.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Cristián Rodríguez holds the highest climbing stat in the field at 77, yet his recent form average of 14.7 from seven races reflects a rider who performs well but rarely dominates. Three top-10s in climbing races and a best of 5th keep him squarely in contention.
Cofidis
Cofidis
Simon Carr's climbing (72) is complemented by the field's joint-highest TT score of 71, a decisive edge in a multi-stage GC where time trials can settle close battles. An average of 16.5 from two similar races, with a best of 6th, confirms his threat.
★
Ones to Watch
Jan Castellon and Mikel Bizkarra carry high climbing stats but variable form averages suggesting they struggle over full GC campaigns. Fausto Masnada's TT bonus keeps him relevant on mixed terrain, and Eduardo Sepúlveda's raw climbing ceiling of 75 makes him a wildcard despite scarce recent data.
Li Ning Star
Li Ning Star
Eduardo Sepúlveda holds a climbing stat of 75 — second only to Rodríguez in the field — and brings GC experience with Li Ning Star, though limited recent form data makes him harder to assess. His raw numbers alone justify inclusion as an outside contender.
MBH Bank CSB
MBH Bank CSB
Fausto Masnada pairs a climbing score of 72 with the field's joint-highest TT rating of 68, a useful combination for a GC that likely features varied terrain. His form average of 25.2 and best of 6th in climbing races suggest he can fire on the right day.
Caja Rural
Caja Rural
Jan Castellon carries a climbing rating of 75 and nine appearances in similar-profile races with a best of 7th, but an average of 23.1 suggests he often fades over multi-day GC efforts. He remains one to watch if Caja Rural can protect him through the decisive stages.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Mikel Bizkarra brings a climbing stat of 74 and two top-10s in six mountain races, though his average of 23.7 and best of 7th point to a rider capable of isolated excellence rather than sustained GC dominance. Euskaltel-Euskadi's strength in numbers could help him overperform.
Verdict
Alessandro Fancellu enters as the top favorite, combining the best recent form average (6.3) with a solid climbing stat of 73 and proven results in similar races. Jon Agirre and Henok Mulubrhan are the principal challengers, while Cristián Rodríguez — the field's best climber on paper — could upset if he translates raw numbers into race-day results.