Pogacar shines immediately with win in Portugal

Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates is showing his talent immediately in the races with a victory in the Volta ao Algarve today. He won at Foia, a climb of 7.8km averaging 6.7%, closing out stage two of the Portuguese race.

The group broke down over the climb thanks to the mean pace Team Sky sat. Pogacar, Petilli, Conti and Aru followed for UAE Team Emirates. Aru lost ground at three kilometres out with Conti remaining at his side. Petilli rode with Pogacar up until the final 1500 metres.

The Slovenian didn’t fade under the attacks from his rivals and responded with a kick at 300 metres out that allowed him his first professional win ahead of Wout Poels (Sky) and Enric Mas (Deceuninck-Quick Step). Petilli held on for eighth.

With the win, the young rider rocketed to the top of the classification. He leads with one second on Poels and three on Mas ahead of stage three, a 20.3km time trial tomorrow around Lagoa.

“I’m living a dream, it’s the most beautiful day for me on the bike,” Pogacar said. “It’s great to pull in my first win with this WorldTour team in this way, a summit finish and against respected rivals.

“Thanks to everyone who has helped me to this point in the cycling world and UAE Team Emirates, which has believed in me for a long time and gave me so much space. I feel trust from the team, which just allows me to improve more.

“Tomorrow, I’ll race in the leader’s jersey. I’m going to give my best to defend it.”

Pogacar’s was the sixth win of the season for UAE Team Emirates. It’s a young group of winners with Gaviria, Molano, Philipsen and Kristoff averaging 24 years old.

Stage 2 results:

1 Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)  4:58:25

2 Wout Poels (Team Sky)  +0:01

3 Enric Mas (Deceuninck – Quick Step)  +0:03

General classification after stage 2:

1 Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates)  9:51:24

2 Wout Poels (Team Sky)  +0:01

3 Enric Mas (Deceuninck – Quick Step)  +0:03