With the final destination being Fóia (Monchique), at an elevation of 902 meters, it is predicted that this stage is going to be the most challenging of them all for the 174 riders competing.

23 kilometres into Stage 2 of the Algarve Tour, eight riders had already surged ahead, leaving a 4 minutes and 10 seconds gap from the peloton, with one of them being Martin Urianstad Bugge from Uno-X Pro Cycling Team.

Speaking to The Portugal News, just a few minutes before the start of the race, Bugge, from Stavanger, Norway said referring to today’s stage that “it is a hard one, and with the wind it can be extra difficult, but I will try my best”. We can’t forget that this stage covers a mountain area which is naturally more exposed to strong winds.

Credits: TPN; Author: Kevin Broderick;

Last year, Stage 2, which started in Sagres and ended in Fóia was conquered by Magnus Cort from Denmark, an accomplishment which Bugge has manifested his motivation to beat “we hope, as a team, to overcome that, but it is very hard so we are just going to do the best we can.”

Credits: TPN; Author: Kevin Broderick;

Participating for the first time in the Tour of Algarve, the 25-year-old biker mentioned being “really excited to participate in this Tour” adding that “I’m a professional biker, and I’ve started biking professionally five years ago, so this is a big thing”. Today’s stage of the competition is expected to finish around 4.30pm.

Credits: TPN; Author: Kevin Broderick;

In the previous edition of the Algarve Tour, Alexander Kristoff which is also part of Uno X Pro Team managed to finish in first place on Stage 1 of the competition, completing Portimão – Lagos in 04:49.04 hours. After winning yesterday’s stage from Portimão to Lagos, Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty) rider from Belgium gets to be the first one to wear the Yellow Jersey.

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Author

After studying Journalism for five years in the UK and Malta, Sara Durães moved back to Portugal to pursue her passion for writing and connecting with people. A ‘wanderluster’, Sara loves the beach, long walks, and sports. 

Sara J. Durães