Tour of Mentougou 2026: Vercher Leads the Favorites in the Chinese Race

Tour of Mentougou 2026: Everything Ready for the Chinese Race The Tour of Mentougou is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026 in China. The race is classified as procontinental and will feature a select group of riders, with six verified entrants vying for victory. The Expected Protagonists The biggest name is undoubtedly Mattéo Vercher (TotalEnergies), coming off a high-level season in European stage races. Alongside him, Calum Johnston (Li Ning Star) represents the main alternative, boasting a victory and good knowledge of the Asian calendar. Nícolas Sessler (Victoria Sports Pro Cycling) completes the trio of favorites, with his team also fielding Jude Gabriel Francisco, useful for potential double-attack strategies. The list of entrants is completed by Alex Vandenbulcke (Huansheng - Vonoa - Taishan Sport Team) and Blayde Blas (EuroCyclingTrips - CCN), both without recent history on the platform but potentially dangerous on a course that could spring surprises. The Favorites' Season Mattéo Vercher has shown remarkable consistency in the 2026 stage races. The Frenchman secured notable placings at the Skoda Tour de Luxembourg, with a 4th place in stage 3 and a 6th in stage 5, plus an 8th in stage 1. Earlier, at the Tour du Limousin-Périgord - Nouvelle Aquitaine, he had shone with a 2nd place in stage 2 and a 5th in stage 4. These results, all in stage races, indicate top form. Calum Johnston is the only one in the field with an overall victory in 2026: he won the Tour of Bostonliq, a non-stage race. The Scotsman has also collected placings in Asia, such as 4th and 5th in two stages of the Tour of Salalah, 9th at the Dhofar Classic and 10th in a stage of the Baku-Khankendi Azerbaijan Cycling race. His familiarity with Asian races makes him a formidable opponent. Nícolas Sessler has a recent 2nd place at the Dhofar Classic and a 7th place in a stage of the Tour of Salalah. The Brazilian seems to be on the rise and could insert himself in the top positions. The Tour of Mentougou is one of the few procontinental races in China and often attracts riders seeking UCI points — source: DATI GARA UFFICIALI The Favorites for Victory Based on the data, Mattéo Vercher starts as the top favorite: his experience in high-level stage races and recent placings in Luxembourg (just a week earlier) make him the main reference. Calum Johnston is the most concrete threat, thanks to his victory at the Tour of Bostonliq and his form shown in Asia. Nícolas Sessler completes the podium of favorites, with his team able to count on two riders. The race promises to be selective, with a small field that could favor long-range attacks. Vercher and Johnston are the names to watch most closely.