Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) was crowned the winner of the 45th Volta ao Algarve race last weekend, holding off a late rally in the last stage which could have cost him the title.
At the age of just 20, Pogacar has celebrated the biggest win of his young career.
His victory was in danger at the bottom of the final climb, but he was able to stage what some have described as a “miraculous recovery” despite coming under attack from Wout Poels and Enric Mas (Deceuninck-Quick Step).
Although the Slovenian cyclist finished sixth in the final stage at Alto do Malhão, won by Zdenek Stybar, he was able to secure a 14-second overall lead over Kragh Andersen.
“It was a crazy fast day and my teammates did a really good job on the front all day,” Pogacar said after the stage. “They were working more than 100%, so I’m really proud of them and really happy to win.”
He added: “This is definitely a dream come true. It’s hard to believe that I won.”
The Volta ao Algarve was just Pogacar’s third professional race, although he is seen as one of the most promising young cyclists in the world.
Two Portuguese cyclists, the Algarve’s very own Amaro Antunes (CCC) and FC Porto’s João Rodrigues, finished eighth and ninth respectively in the overall ranking.
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