Pellaud powers to Wadi Darbat win, takes Tour of Salalah lead

SALALAH: Simon Pellaud made his move when it mattered most.

The Swiss rider of Li Ning Star timed a decisive acceleration on the final climb to Wadi Darbat to win Stage 2 of the 2026 Tour of Salalah on Monday and take the overall leader’s red jersey.

Pellaud outduelled Colombia’s Edison Alejandro Callejas in a punishing uphill finish, with France’s Antoine Huby taking third as the Swiss rider seized control of the General Classification.

The 108-kilometre route from Dahariz Beach to Wadi Darbat offered little respite. The race began along Salalah’s coastline before turning inland towards the rugged Dhofar mountains, with the climbs through Aqabat Hashir and Towai Atair providing the major tests before the finish at Wadi Darbat.

The battle intensified as the riders headed towards Aqabat Hashir and Towai Atair.

The demanding terrain gradually fractured the peloton, with the strongest climbers and attackers moving to the front as the race entered its decisive phase.

By the time the riders reached the final ramps into Wadi Darbat, only a select group remained in contention for victory.

Pellaud remained patient.

The Swiss rider timed his final effort perfectly, launching his decisive acceleration in the closing kilometre. Callejas stayed within striking distance, but Pellaud had enough left to hold off the Colombian and claim a memorable stage victory. Huby followed to secure third.

Red jersey changes hands

Pellaud’s victory lifted him into the overall lead, with Li Ning Star also taking the stage team classification.

The Swiss rider was awarded the gold jersey for leading the General Classification and the green jersey for leading the points classification.

It marks a significant turnaround after Sunday's opening stage, when Pellaud finished third behind Jeroen Meijers and Carter Bettles, with Meijers taking the gold and green jerseys. After two stages, Pellaud has moved to the front of the overall battle, with the race now entering its toughest mountain test.

Jabal Samhan awaits

There is no time for the peloton to recover.

Stage 3 on Tuesday will cover 156 kilometres from Taqah Castle to Jabal Samhan and is the longest stage of the Tour of Salalah. It is expected to provide another major test for the overall contenders.

Pellaud will now have to defend the gold jersey against riders looking to claw back time on the climbs.

Wadi Darbat may have crowned a new leader, but Jabal Samhan could determine whether he can keep the crown.