Baku-Khankendi is still defining its identity, but the likely race shape points toward a mixed stage race where the stronger all-rounders and climbers should matter more than pure sprinters. The terrain and travel load both favor adaptable riders.
Yevgeniy Fedorov gives the race a natural local focal point, while Harold Martín López and Alexey Lutsenko carry the strongest combination of climbing and stage-race control. Gleb Syritsa and Manuele Tarozzi can stay relevant if one of the flatter days becomes decisive.