ONDA, SPAIN - JANUARY 24: Michael Matthews of Australia and Team Jayco AlUla celebrates at finish line as race winner during the 3rd Ruta de la Ceramica - Gran Premio Castellon 2026 a 171.7km one day race from Castellon to Onda on January 24, 2026 in Onda, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Baixauli/Getty Images)
Michael Matthews of Jayco AlUla has launched his 2026 cycling season with a resounding victory at the Gran Premio Castellón-Ruta de la Cerámica. The Australian cyclist emerged victorious in a demanding uphill sprint, marking his second win at this 1.1 one-day race, a feat he previously achieved in 2024. This victory sets a promising tone for Matthews as he heads into the Challenge Mallorca.
The race concluded with an exhilarating uphill finish, where Matthews outpaced Pau Miquel of Bahrain-Victorious and Lukáš Kubiš from Unibet Rose Rockets, who finished second and third respectively. Matthews’ performance was particularly impressive given the challenging circumstances he faced earlier in the season.
“Yesterday I crashed after 25 kilometres at the Classica Camp de Morvedre, and it was a bit of a bad start to 2026, so coming back to a race I’ve won in the past always gives extra motivation,” Matthews shared after his win.
Team Effort and Personal Motivation
Matthews credited his team for their pivotal role in securing the victory. “The boys rode super well yesterday and today, and to finish it off after such a good team effort was the cherry on the cake. My wounds were still a bit sore, so I just tried to save as much energy as I could for the final. I did my sprint, and it worked out,” he explained.
The victory also held personal significance for Matthews, who dedicated it to his daughter. “My daughter’s eighth birthday is tomorrow, and I’m not able to be there, so this is for her,” he added, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by professional athletes.
Race Dynamics and Strategic Moves
The 171-kilometre race in eastern Spain was characterized by an early breakaway of six riders, including Jasper Schoofs (Soudal-QuickStep) and Carlos García Pierna (Burgos BH), who maintained a lead of up to six minutes. However, the main action unfolded during the final climb at Collado de Ayódar.
Antonio Morgado of UAE Team Emirates-XRG initiated a significant attack, joined by Christian Scaroni and Guillermo Thomas Silva of XDS Astana, and Héctor Álvarez from Spain. Despite their efforts, the breakaway was reeled in before the final sprint, setting the stage for Matthews’ decisive move.
Jayco AlUla were one of the main teams pacing throughout the day, ensuring Matthews was well-positioned for the crucial final kilometers.
Overcoming Past Challenges
Matthews’ return to form is particularly noteworthy given his health challenges in the previous year. In 2025, he faced a serious health scare when signs of a pulmonary embolism were discovered. Despite this setback, Matthews made a successful comeback in the latter half of the season, prompting Jayco AlUla to extend his contract for another two years.
His victory in Castellón is a testament to his resilience and determination to return to top form. As he continues his 2026 campaign, Matthews is poised to be a formidable contender in upcoming races.
Looking Ahead
With the Gran Premio Castellón victory under his belt, Matthews is now setting his sights on the Challenge Mallorca. His performance in Castellón not only boosts his confidence but also positions him as a key rider to watch in the early part of the season.
The cycling community will be keenly observing Matthews’ progress, as his journey from health adversity to triumphant return serves as an inspiring narrative in the world of professional cycling.
