Stage 2 of the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai covers 224.6 km from Huangyuan to Menyuan on the high-altitude Qinghai plateau, rated as a mountain stage with a flat finish. The profile will thin out the bunch on the climbs before a reduced group contests the flat run-in to Menyuan, rewarding climbers who also have a kick for the line. At 2.Pro level this is a prestige event attracting genuine GC riders and breakaway specialists alike.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Henok Mulubrhan is the deserving top pick, averaging 9th across his two recent mountain-profile races while sitting comfortably in the top climbing tier at 73. His presence on the XDS Astana roster alongside support riders and an upcoming Vuelta start signals he is here to perform.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Henok Mulubrhan leads the form table with an average position of 9.0 across two similar-profile races and carries a solid climbing stat of 73. His upcoming schedule including La Vuelta confirms he is in peak mid-season form, making him the clear favorite for this mountain stage.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Cristián Rodríguez and Jon Agirre both combine strong climbing stats (77 and 73 respectively) with proven recent form, each recording top-five or top-six finishes in similar races. Either could take the stage win if Mulubrhan has an off day or is isolated by racing.
XDS Astana
XDS Astana
Cristián Rodríguez tops the climbing rankings with a stat of 77 and has averaged 14.7 in similar races over seven outings, including a best of 5th. His Epic rarity card and Vuelta preparation suggest he arrives here in strong condition.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Jon Agirre posts the second-best recent form average at 13.2 across five mountain-profile races with a best finish of 6th, backed by a climbing stat of 73. His consistency for Euskaltel-Euskadi in this terrain makes him a genuine podium threat.
★★
Dark Horses
Buchmann, Murguialday and Carr each bring solid climbing numbers and recent evidence of competing near the top ten in mountain races. Buchmann's raw stat of 76 is the highest of the three, while Murguialday and Carr add team depth for Euskaltel and Cofidis respectively.
Cofidis
Cofidis
Emanuel Buchmann has the second-highest climbing stat in the field at 76 and a matching hills score, giving him excellent credentials for this mountain stage with a flat finish. Though recent form data is limited, his pedigree at this level warrants a dark-horse rating.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Jokin Murguialday averages 13.5 across four similar races with a best of 7th, showing reliable form in mountainous terrain. His climbing stat of 72 is solid and he will benefit from Euskaltel's strength in numbers alongside Agirre.
Cofidis
Cofidis
Simon Carr holds a 16.5 average across two mountain races with a best of 6th, and his climbing stat of 72 is complemented by the highest time-trial score among the mid-tier at 71, suggesting he can sustain efforts on long mountain roads. Cofidis fields a strong squad here with multiple climbers.
★
Ones to Watch
Fagúndez, Tolio, Moniquet and Tercero round out the selections as riders who possess the climbing credentials to feature but face question marks over current form or depth of recent results. Any of the four could profit from a breakaway or a chaotic finale on the flat run into Menyuan.
Bardiani CSF
Bardiani CSF
Alex Tolio averages 16.0 across five mountain races with a best of 9th and a climbing stat of 72, making him one of the more consistent performers in the Bardiani CSF setup. He is a reliable one-to-watch candidate who regularly features near the sharp end.
Burgos
Burgos
Eric Fagúndez carries a climbing stat of 72 alongside an impressive hills score of 73 and has recorded a best of 5th in similar races. His form average of 19.8 over four races is respectable and he could sneak into the top ten on a good day.
Polti
Polti
Fernando Tercero carries a climbing stat of 73 and has featured in four similar races with a best of 10th and an average of 21.0. He represents an intriguing outsider pick for Polti who could benefit from a selective mountain day.
Cofidis
Cofidis
Sylvain Moniquet boasts the joint-second climbing stat of 74 alongside a hills score of 74 and a sprint of 67, which suits a mountain stage with a flat finish well. Despite a modest recent average of 43.3, his raw card stats place him firmly in contention.
Verdict
Henok Mulubrhan is the standout favorite, combining the best recent form in mountain races with a strong climbing stat and a peak-season schedule. Cristián Rodríguez and Jon Agirre are the most likely challengers should Mulubrhan not control the final.