Pellaud powers to Wadi Darbat victory and takes Tour of Salalah lead

Simon Pellaud waited until the final climb to make his move, then accelerated in the closing kilometre to win Stage 2 of the 2026 Tour of Salalah and seize the overall lead.

The Swiss Li Ning Star rider outduelled Colombia’s Edison Alejandro Callejas on the punishing ascent to Wadi Darbat. France’s Antoine Huby finished third. The victory lifted Pellaud into the General Classification lead and earned Li Ning Star the stage team classification.

The 108-kilometre route began at Dahariz Beach and followed Salalah’s coastline before turning inland toward the Dhofar mountains. Climbs through Aqabat Hashir and Towai Atair gradually split the peloton, leaving only a small group in contention by the final ramps.

Pellaud stayed patient as the race entered its decisive phase. Callejas remained close after the Swiss rider attacked, but Pellaud held on for the win. He was awarded the gold jersey for the overall lead and the green jersey for the points classification.

The result reversed the standings from Sunday’s opening stage, when Pellaud finished third behind Jeroen Meijers and Carter Bettles. Meijers had taken the gold and green jerseys after that stage.

There will be little time to recover. Tuesday’s Stage 3 covers 156 kilometres from Taqah Castle to Jabal Samhan, making it the longest stage of the Tour of Salalah. Pellaud must defend his lead on another demanding mountain route, with Jabal Samhan likely to test whether he can keep it.