Yerevan, September 13, 2026 – A grand finale in Yerevan for the inaugural edition of the Tour of Armenia. Simone Raccani (Team Ukyo) triumphed in the general classification of this new UCI Europe Tour race, while Michele Gazzoli(Solution Tech Nippo Rali) won the stage in a sprint finish at the capital’s central Republic Square, beating Poland’s Patryk Stosz (Voster Team) and Denmark’s Boje Patrick Frydkjaer (Lidl-Trek Future Racing) to the line.
Crowds lined the streets of Yerevan for the conclusion of this four-day event, which showcased a new country joining the global cycling map. The final stage was set in motion by 2008 Beijing Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez, the ambassador for this inaugural edition. The final leg lived up to expectations, featuring plenty of attacks. Australian rider Cameron Rogers (Netcompany Ineos Racing Academy Team) attempted to surprise the peloton, but his move was neutralized halfway through the last of the ten scheduled laps. The race culminated in the Tour of Armenia’s first sprint finish, where the 27-year-old Solution Tech Nippo Ralirider proved unbeatable, celebrating the victory in style ahead of his upcoming wedding.
Raccani celebrated his overall victory ahead of Kevin Biehl (General Store-Essegibi-F.lli Curia) - who also secured the white jersey for the best young rider - with Luca Covili(Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) rounding out the podium. The top three finishers of the 2026 Tour of Armenia were awarded their prizes by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan.
Thanks to a fourth-place finish in the intermediate sprint on the fifth lap, Lorenzo Ginestra (Swatt Club) snatched the orange points jersey from Federico Iacomoni (Team Ukyo) by a single point, while Leonardo Vesco (Biesse-Carrera-Premac) took the podium wearing the blue jersey for the best climber, a title he had effectively secured the previous day. In the team classification, victory went to the Czech squad Att Investments, ahead of the Italian team Solution Tech Nippo Rali (second) and the Japanese Team Ukyo.
FINISH ORDER – STAGE 4, YEREVAN-YEREVAN
1 – Michele Gazzoli (Solution Tech Nippo Rali) - 94 km in 2h00’00”, average speed 47.000 km/h (10” time bonus)
2 – Patryk Stosz (Voster Team) same time (6” time bonus)
3 – Boje Patrick Frydkjaer (Lidl-Trek Future Racing) same time (4” time bonus) FINAL GENERAL CLASSIFICATION – TOUR OF ARMENIA 2026
1 - Simone Raccani (Team Ukyo) 12h39’11”
2 - Kevin Biehl (General Store-Essegibi-F.lli Curia) at 9”
3 – Luca Covili (Bardiani CSF 7 Saber) at 12”
OFFICIAL TOUR OF ARMENIA JERSEYS BY ALÉ CYCLING
• Red Jersey (General Classification winner): Simone Raccani (Team Ukyo)
• Orange Jersey (Points Classification winner):Lorenzo Ginestra (Swatt Club)
• Blue Jersey (King of the Mountains Classification winner): Leonardo Vesco (Biesse-Carrera-Premac)
• White Jersey (Young Rider Classification winner):Kevin Biehl (General Store-Essegibi-F.lli Curia)
Comments from the final stage winner, Michele Gazzoli(Solution Tech Nippo Rali): “I am truly happy because the team rode a perfect race, working impeccably from start to finish. There is a hint of regret about losing a few spots in the general classification, but we really wanted this victory today and managed to secure it thanks to a magnificent team effort. I came very close in Istanbul, and today I was determined to claim the win. Regnanti and Piras supported me right up to the final meters, delivering a perfect lead-out to the finish line. I dedicate this victory to Cristina, my future wife, and to my daughter. Finally, I want to thank the entire team; they have always stood by me and supported me, even during the toughest times.”
Simone Raccani (Team Ukyo), the winner of the inaugural Tour of Armenia, is also all smiles: "I dedicate this jersey to my entire team and my teammates, who worked so hard for me over the past few days. I also dedicate it to my family, who always support me, and my girlfriend, Maya. Above all, however, my thoughts go out to Carlo Merenti, my sports director from my junior days, who sadly passed away about two months ago; he always believed in me during my time at Borgo Molino. As for my experience at this Tour of Armenia, I was pleasantly surprised—it really is a beautiful country. It was great racing here, and I have to say that everything was impeccable in terms of safety and organization. Now, I’m ready to head off to the Giro d’Abruzzo."
The Tour of Armenia was broadcast worldwide via HBO Max, Disney+, ESPN, FloSports, Okko, SBS, SPO TV, and Zhibo TV. Luca Guercilena, Chief Operating Officer & Cycling Director at RCS Sports & Events, summed up the event as follows: "It’s an excellent start. The Tour of Armenia is a race that launched this year but already possesses the potential to grow. We certainly witnessed good competition and safe roads—the most important factor when visiting countries where cycling culture isn't yet deeply rooted. Furthermore, there was tremendous interest and support for cycling from both the authorities and the general public; the event brings prestige and exposure to Armenia itself, so we hope to continue on this path. It was a wonderful experience all around; yesterday, for instance, we presented awards at a youth race, and I was really impressed by the strong turnout from the local community."
The Olympic Champion Samuel Sanchez, official ambassador for this inaugural edition, also shares a positive outlook: "It’s my first time here, and I have to say it’s an incredible experience. I’m delighted and pleasantly surprised, as Armenia possesses all the right ingredients to establish itself on the international calendar - mountains, wide roads, and flawless organization - not to mention the people, who have been incredibly hospitable. I hope the local organizers, the Ministry of Sport, and the National Cycling Federation will support grassroots development to foster further growth. I am convinced this race will expand; within two or three years, it could become a major event and attract World Tour teams."
Following the awards ceremony, Luca Guercilena (Chief Operating Officer & Cycling Director at RCS Sports & Events) presented the Giro d’Italia’s *Maglia Rosa* (Pink Jersey) to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, to mark the cycling-based partnership between the two races and the two countries. The Tour of Armenia was broadcast globally on platforms including HBO Max, Disney+, ESPN, FloSports, Okko, SBS, SPOTV, and Zhibo TV.
Credit Photos: Sprint Cycling Agency