Jens Reynders is taking a somewhat different direction in 2026. The 27-year-old Belgian will continue as a road cyclist but is also embarking on a gravel adventure. Last week, while awaiting that new challenge, he got the chance to participate in the Al Salam Championship, a race with a prize purse of nearly 1 million(!) euros, thanks to... Patrick Lefevere.
It was recently announced that Reynders—who competed in recent seasons for Wagner Bazin WB—will continue his cycling career in Qatari service. Representing the club team Qatar Pro Cycling, he will contest various road races—starting this Friday at the Tour of Sharjah (2.1) in the United Arab Emirates—but that’s not all.
The hard rider from Rukkelingen-Loon is also seriously pursuing another 'subdiscipline': in 2026, backed by private sponsor Bioracer (specialized in cycling apparel), he will also take on gravel racing. “But exactly how that will look remains to be seen. Bioracer is a partner, but other exciting sponsors will join. More on that later,” Reynders told WielerFlits.
Race with a 1 Million Euro Purse
Reynders will make his debut for Qatar Pro Cycling later this week, but last week he already pinned on a race number at the Al Salam Championship. This is a prestigious annual cycling event in Dubai, although without UCI status, featuring several races for amateurs and professionals (both men and women) on the iconic Al Qudra cycling track, running through the Al Marmoom desert.
photo: Jens Reynders
In a short time, the race has grown into a very prestigious event, especially financially. With a total prize pot of around 820,000 euros (3,500,000 AED), there’s quite a lot at stake for the riders.
Reynders participated as a guest rider for Dubai Police, a project in which none other than Patrick Lefevere is involved. The now 71-year-old Belgian may have retired as CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, but the outspoken Lefevere remains active in cycling in various ways. This was also the first time he appeared at a race since being hospitalized in Roeselare last fall with a liver abscess.
Guest Team
Reynders wasn’t the only prominent Belgian cyclist seen in the white-and-green kit of Dubai Police, a temporary team. “Patrick invited Julien Vermote (who rode for Visma | Lease a Bike until last year, ed.) and myself to ride for the team. There were also riders from UAE Emirates, Bahrain Victorious, and XDS Astana on the start line, but they raced in different jerseys,” Reynders explained.
Although Reynders was ultimately unable to take control of the race, he was satisfied with fourth place (and the accompanying prize money). The victory went to Italian Alessandro Borgo, ahead of Julius Johansen and Abdulla Jasim Al-Ali.
