After we had already competed in a few top-class races in the spring, the Portugal Tour was the second important stage race on our schedule after the Bayern Tour. Unfortunately we had to do without one of our strong sprinters here. Tino Thömel was struck down with glandular fever shortly before departure.
Nevertheless, we traveled motivated to the western end of Europe, after all the tour is considered one of the most demanding on the European calendar. And that should come true.
Prologue over 6,8 kilometers
At the start of the tour, a curvy and wavy prologue was on the program, which we used to warm up for the upcoming stages
1st stage over 183 kilometers
The first part of the day was something for the sprinters with good climbing skills and therefore just what Alex liked. It was important for Niko not to lose any time. The pace was kept high right from the start and we were able to experience for the first time what flat means in Portugal. It just went up and down. Things got a bit hectic in the final. Although Alex could not call up his absolute performance, he still took a good 12th place.
2st stage over 172 kilometers
The second stage ended with a difficult finish loop that had to be mastered a total of three times and included a 2nd category climb. It was clear from the start that Niko wanted to remain competitive in the overall standings. Unfortunately, he missed the decisive grain on the last climb, although the gap of 30 seconds was limited.
3st stage over 180 kilometers
An inhospitable day. The profile of the stage included three mountains and a finish on 1.500 The team was already impressive before the start, and the weather ultimately added to the fun. The thermometer read 12 degrees Celsius as the riders set off in the rain. At the finish, everyone was happy to have survived the stage safely. Niko was the team's best rider, completing the first mountain stage.
4st stage over 192,5 kilometers
Another day in the mountains and thus another challenge for our drivers - that's how the stage calculated with 4.000 meters in altitude can be described. After only 20 kilometers the first ascent lurked. This was driven at an extremely high speed, which was not least due to the fact that a group of 25 riders wanted to run away at the front. We were represented in this with Max. However, the group was caught before the pass. With Niko and Alex we still had two riders at the front of the field at that point and both of them should continue to deliver a strong race as the stage progressed. On the last kilometers of the day there were two more climbs of the 1st category on the plan. Niko didn't let that deter him and finished a solid 37th place. As a result, he was able to further improve in the overall standings. However, the mood was somewhat clouded by the departure of Martin and Kai, both of whom unfortunately missed the waiting period.
5st stage over 162 kilometers
Day three in the mountains and the third mountain finish - the tour picked up speed. As on the previous days, the pace in the field was high right from the start. As a result, the field divided as early as the first climb. Niko was able to benefit from this and gain further ground in the overall standings.
6st stage over 155 kilometers
After the hardships of the previous days, the second sprint finish was on the agenda today and with it another chance for Alex. Only one hurdle stood in the way of the peloton. With 24 kilometers to go, the riders had to tackle a category 2 climb. This was not a problem for Alex. But even then it was important to remain vigilant. A total of seven roundabouts waited before the finish. The finale turned out to be correspondingly hectic. The result was a fall on the home stretch. This brought Alex out of rhythm. Nevertheless, he ended up on a strong 5th place.
After the first week, the deserved rest day awaited the drivers. You can find out how our boys did in the second part of the Tour of Portugal in the next blog.
Until then!