Ivo Oliveira takes stage win and overall lead at the Tour de Kyushu

Roaring across the line in Minamiosa, Ivo Oliveira won stage 2 of the Tour de Kyushu, picking up UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s first-ever victory in Japan. The result and accumulated bonus seconds were enough to see the Portuguese rider move into the race leader’s jersey, with just one stage remaining on Monday.

It was a victory that was well-earned by the Emirati squad, with the five-man squad rallying around Oliveira all afternoon to set the 30-year-old up for success.

Ultimately, it was from a select front group that Oliveira sprinted to the day’s honours. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG man had the fastest kick of the lot, following a tough afternoon in the saddle that had left every rider suffering from fatigue. Using this to his advantage, Oliveira delivered a powerful seated sprint to win stage 2.

Earlier in the day, Oliveira’s teammates had delivered an exemplary performance. First up, it was Enea Sambinello and Davide Stella who pulled the peloton along, with the Gen Z pair keeping the breakaway on a tight leash. As the race progressed, it was over to Kevin Vermaerke and Adrià Pericas, who were both able to keep Oliveira right at the head of the proceedings.

With 20km to go, the Portuguese rider secured three bonus seconds in an intermediate sprint, for the second day running. With Oliveira aiming for both the stage and the general classification, every second could prove vital come the end of the race on Monday.

As for Sunday’s race, Oliveira kept himself well positioned as the front group stormed towards the final kilometre. It was from here that the 30-year-old bided his time before eventually outmuscling both William Heffernan (CCACHE x BODYWRAP) and Luke Mudgway (Li Ning Star) to the stage honours.

After the finish, Oliveira celebrated in jubilant fashion alongside his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates. The stage winner was quick to heap praise on his fellow riders in his post-stage interviews.

Oliveira: “I feel super happy, I cannot express how happy I am feeling. This was the goal from the whole team today, and we assumed control of the race from the first kilometres. Every teammate helped me, today was unbelievable. They believed in me, they kept the breakaway close, they closed every breakaway in the final, so my best word is for them. It was thanks to them that I win this today.

“I feel extremely proud. I am super happy. I cannot thank my teammates enough. We were controlling wih four guys – Davide, Enea, Kevin and Adrià – they were amazing, they trusted me until the last metres. This victory is for them and for all the team.

“I hope tomorrow we can take the yellow jersey home, and I hope everybody is on our side. Every day I say this, but I love the Japanese crowds, I love to race in Japan. It is one of the most special races I have ever been at. The scenery, the people, the landscapes- I love this country. I have won one stage and I want to win this Tour, for me, for my team and for my family. I will try to bring the jersey home with your support.”

Tour de Kyushu 2026 stage 2 results:

1. Ivo Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 3:03:31

2. William Heffernan (CCACHE x BODYWRAP) s.t

3. Luke Mudgway (Li Ning Star) s.t

Tour de Kyushu 2026 general classification after stage 2:

1. Ivo Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 6:13:03

2. Luke Mudgway (Li Ning Star) +7″

3. William Heffernan (CCACHE x BODYWRAP) +9″