Ivo Oliveira Secures Tour de Kyushu Glory for UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Portuguese cyclist claims final stage victory and overall title in Japan, marking his maiden general classification triumph and the team's 77th victory of the season
The remarkable prowess of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s cycling contingent reached a glorious crescendo on the storied roads of Japan’s Kyushu island, as Portuguese rider Ivo Oliveira claimed both the final stage and the coveted general classification title at the Tour de Kyushu.
Displaying consummate skill and tactical acumen, the 30-year-old rider orchestrated a decisive victory on the concluding stage, completing a demanding loop to and from Miyazaki. Oliveira executed a commanding sprint finish, outpacing fellow competitors Alexandre Delettre and Luke Mudgway to cross the line in triumphant fashion, raising his arms in jubilant celebration of his achievement.
The victory represented a momentous personal milestone for Oliveira, constituting his inaugural general classification success at this level of international competition. Having secured the leader’s blue jersey following his dominant performance on the preceding day’s stage, Oliveira navigated the treacherous final kilometres with measured determination, acutely aware that the minimal time gaps in the general classification rendered him vulnerable to audacious attacks from rival contenders.
The stalwart support of his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates proved instrumental in safeguarding Oliveira’s advantage throughout the demanding finale. His success capped an extraordinarily productive campaign for the cyclist, who claimed victory across two of the three stages contested in Japan and extended his career tally to ten stage victories.
Oliveira reflected upon his triumph with evident emotion and satisfaction, describing the achievement as his finest victory on the cycling road. The Portuguese rider emphasised the significance of executing a decisive final sprint whilst simultaneously securing the stage honours, a dual accomplishment that culminated in securing the overall classification.
The victory underscores the exceptional strength and depth of UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s roster, elevating the team’s 2026 campaign tally to 77 victories. With a further week of competitive racing remaining on the international calendar, the squad maintains aspirations of extending this impressive achievement even further as the season draws toward its conclusion.
Source: WAM