The tavirense João Rodrigues (W52-FC Porto) won, this afternoon, the Volta ao Algarve, after having finished the last stage, which linked Albufeira to Alto do Malhão, in second position, behind Élie Gesbert (Team Arkéa-Samsic) .
This is the first time that a cyclist born in the Algarve has won the race, which was disputed for the first time in 1960. Also, since 2006, a Portuguese has not won the race. The last one had been João Cabreira.
The Algarvian, who entered the last stage 12 seconds from the lead, attacked on the final climb, to Alto do Malhão, and managed to beat the competition. Kasper Asgreen, who was also fighting for victory in the Algarve, still struggled, but ended up succumbing in the end.
The yellow Ethan Hayter jersey, that yesterday crashed in the time trial in Lagoa, was left behind at the beginning of the climb.
João Rodrigues made the climb accompanied by another from the Algarve, Amaro Antunes, who finished in 5th position.
Regarding the General Classification, Rodrigues ended up with a 9-second advantage over Ethan Hayter and 28 over Kasper Asgreen.
In the Top10 there was room for another Portuguese, Jóni Brandão, also from W52-FC Porto, who finished today's stage in third place and was 1m40s off the lead.
It ended up happening in algarvia This year is something to be expected: the Portuguese teams, with more preparation time, ended up intruding in the fight for the first places.
With this victory, João Rodrigues manages to add victories in the two main cycling competitions in Portugal: the Volta a Portugal, in 2019, and, now, the Volta ao Algarve.
Comments