Tour of Magnificent Qinghai 2026 Stage 8 | LEITÃO Iúri Shines in Sprint by Qinghai Lake as CAICEDO CEPEDA Jonathan Klever Crowned Overall Champion
- Cassie Lyu
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
Qinghai Lake, Qinghai, China, July 18 – LEITÃO Iúri (Caja Rural–Seguros RGA) sprinted to victory on the final stage of the 2026 Tour of Magnificent Qinghai, while CAICEDO CEPEDA Jonathan Klever (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu Team) was crowned the overall winner of the 25th edition of the race.
Stage 8 began in Xihai Town and took the riders over Riyue Mountain Pass before finishing at the Qinghai Lake Scenic Area.
The final stage represented the last opportunity for teams yet to claim a stage victory, while the battles for the General Classification Yellow Jersey and Points Classification Green Jersey added further intensity to the race finale. RENARD Alexis (Cofidis) finished second, with ZANONCELLO Enrico (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) taking third.
Final Leader Jerseys
ICBC General Classification (Yellow Jersey): CAICEDO CEPEDA Jonathan Klever (Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu Team)
Jinhui Liquor Points Classification (Green Jersey): MULUEBERHAN Henok (XDS Astana Team)
China Sports Lottery Mountains Classification (Polka Dot Jersey): RODRIGUEZ MARTIN Cristian (XDS Astana Team)
Peak Best Asian Rider Classification (Blue Jersey): SAFARZADEH Saeid (Qinghai Tianyoude Hotel Cycling Team)
Stage 8, the ICBC Xihai Town–Qinghai Lake Scenic Area Stage, covered 146 kilometres and featured one Category 3 climb and four intermediate sprints, with the only Category-3 climb of the day coming at Riyue Mountain Pass.
After several days of racing in the rain, the riders were finally greeted by clear skies. The improved weather encouraged a series of attacks, but the teams fighting for the Yellow Jersey kept the pace high and controlled the breakaway attempts from the outset.
SALBY Alexander (Li Ning Star) took maximum points at the first intermediate sprint, ahead of LEITÃO Iúri and Green Jersey holder MULUEBERHAN Henok. KYFFIN Zeb (Terengganu Cycling Team) was the only rider to successfully distance himself from the peloton in the early stages, but his move was soon brought back.
Wheeltop Rotor Chengdu Team, defending the Yellow Jersey, and Li Ning Star controlled the front of the peloton, with SALBY Alexander taking maximum points again at the second intermediate sprint. As the race reached the climbing section, MARTINELLI Alessio (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber), MINTEGI CLAVER Iker (Euskaltel–Euskadi), CROZZOLO Fabrizio German (Team Polti VisitMalta) and HEFFERNAN William (CCACHE X Bodywrap)briefly went clear, but all four riders were soon brought back.
The day's only Category-3 climb became the decisive battleground for the Mountains Classification. Polka Dot Jersey holder RAPP Jonas (FNIX–SCOM Hengxiang Cycling Team) was the first to attack, prompting an immediate response from XDS Astana Team. RODRIGUEZ MARTIN Cristian produced a powerful acceleration to finish ahead of teammate MULUEBERHAN Henok and take maximum points at the summit, securing the Mountains Classification title for the 2026 Tour. MULUEBERHAN Henok later claimed maximum points at the final intermediate sprint.
In a surprising move, Yellow Jersey holder CAICEDO CEPEDA Jonathan Klever then joined an eight-rider breakaway that established an advantage of around 30 seconds over the peloton. The bunch quickly organised the chase and brought the move back with 30 kilometres remaining. KUDUS Merhawi (Burgos Burpellet BH) and RAPP Jonas then took advantage of the brief regrouping to launch another attack, but the pair were caught with 4 kilometres remaining.
The final sprint saw RENARD Alexis (Cofidis) launch a long-range effort on the right-hand side of the road. LEITÃO Iúri, however, produced a devastating acceleration from the left, powering past his rivals to take a commanding victory in the final stage of the 2026 Tour of Magnificent Qinghai.
After eight days of intense racing, the 25th edition of the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai has come to a successful conclusion. From the Hehuang Valley to the shores of Qinghai Lake, the riders pushed themselves to the limit across eight days of competition, showcasing the extraordinary appeal of road cycling on the Qinghai Plateau.
Twenty-five years is long enough for a race to become part of the rhythm of the land itself. The small tree planted when the race was first established has grown into a canopy capable of casting shade over riders battling toward the finish. The children who once waved small flags by the roadside may now be returning with children of their own, watching the wheels once again sweep through the landscapes they call home.
Our sincere thanks go to all the riders, spectators and staff who made this edition possible. The race once again showcased the highest level of sporting competition while offering the world a window into Qinghai's achievements in ecological civilisation.
The curtain has now fallen on the 25th Tour of Magnificent Qinghai, but the openness and hospitality of Magnificent Qinghai will never fade. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the plateau for another unforgettable rendezvous next year.
Comments