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Over the Highest Peaks in Portugal

Agnelo Quelhas / 04.05.2010

Today’s stage was the finish of three of the longest and toughest Transportugal stages. The race is far from over, however those who finished today’s leg ended with a feeling that the worse adversities are past them. The day’s ride was an epic one, with its never-ending climbs, very technical and rocky descents, and even the cold and strong wind did not help. It was actually a brand new stage for Transportugal, since in past years the trails never went past the city of Guarda.

For all who rode the trails this will be a day to remember as the biggest adversities are normally the ones that make us stronger. The breathtaking scenery that surrounds this 96km of rough tracks will not be soon forgotten. The Serra da Estrela natural park is a place full of wondrous beauty - the Tintinolho adrenalin pumping causeway, the panoramic views from Santinha and Penha Douradas, the forests on the descent to Manteigas and the tough final ascent near the glacier valley of the river Zêzere. The day ended in a fast descent just after Piornos.

Once again the victory went to Luís Leão Pinto. The Portuguese racer widened his time advantage over the Czech Milan Spolc. Although he started 30 minutes behind on handicap, he was able to finish 24 minutes in front. He commented that he was feeling very good in yellow (the winner jersey) and that helped make the stage the easiest for him so far. Transportugal tests the riders’ capabilities to the limit, both physically and psychologically.

Tiago Silva came second, 20 minutes after the winner, his best result up to now. Milan Spolc came third, followed by Marco Almeida and Ricardo Melo, the first 44 minutes from Leão Pinto and the latter 57. The first women to cross the finish line, coming at position eleven, 1h:20m from the winner, was Lindsey Haak, a Belgian who in the previous days had already proved to be a serious contender for the top places, leaving behind her lots of very strong bikers.

Coming from half a world away, the Japanese Toru Watanabe, ended the day under a shower of applause when he was able to finish the stage before the closing time. Speaking little English and no Portuguese at all makes his days surely very difficult as even asking for water or food at cafes in small villages becomes a challenge.

Tomorrow’s stage will be an easier one, but nevertheless it has some tiresome and hard parts. It starts by crossing the rural paths of Cova da Beira, passes the historic village of Monsanto and its millennia old rocky tracks and causeways. Finally, after a quick passage of Idanha-a-Velha it ends in Ladoeiro, at the Idanha Natura Hotel. The 132km and 2600 meters of climb will go by fast for the strongest riders and for these it should be over by early afternoon.

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