Garmin Trans Portugal
Luis Leão Pinto Wins Trans Portugal 2010
Agnelo Quelhas / 12.05.2010
The initial part of the stage crossed the hills and valleys of Serra de Monchique softly spreading it hills next to the seashore, leaving the squad of Transportugal GARMIN with just a few mountains and small elevations to overcome.
After passing through Bordeira the athletes began to smell the sea they found next to Carrapateira. I’ve been monitoring this race for five years in a row, and the feeling is still here always renewed.
The coastline stretching north is a grandiose vision; the cool sea breeze approaches and wakes up the memories of days spent in the race showing some forgotten and unknown portuguese territory. For athletes this is the reminder of all the moments that were experienced these nine days.
A few miles after approaching the sea in Carrapateira, the track reached the Amado beach, where riders crossed white sands and accessed the cliffs that would take them in the direction of Sagres. Once passed the steep ramp that characterizes this coastal area, they cycled down towards Cordoama, in a technical famous single-track drop of the cliff that leaves them at the beach. This place is one of the hallmarks of TransPortugal Garmin and always provides great images that delight the race followers.
After Cordoama began the ascent to the summit of the cliffs and the flat land to Sagres. This year's arrival was moved to Martinhal beach, where logistics were mounted. The first two racers to cross the finish line, side by side, were Luis Leão Pinto and Tiago Silva, the 1st and 2nd place overall in Transportugal GARMIN 2010. About 5 minutes later, a trio composed by Marco Almeida, Greg Anderson and Milan Spolc reached Martinhal. The 6th to arrive was Ricardo Melo, who confessed arriving very tired and worn with Transportugal 2010.
The arrivals followed gradually, increasing animation and all athletes relaxed completely after these nine days of race. It was time to celebrate and remember all the passages in the magical landscapes of Portugal, which only the bicycle provides. Remembering the daily challenges, whether it was just to arrive before the closing hour or to qualify in the top 10 of the stage. The hours of weariness, determination, courage, disorientation and all sensations that can only be described by those who lived Transportugal GARMIN 2010. This year will surely be a milestone in the lives of all who participated and surpassed this challenge.
After the athletes’ arrivals a traditional group photo and bathing in the ocean were taken, washing the wounds and tiredness accumulated during more than 1000 kilometers of race.
The final victory belonged to Luis Leão Pinto, who pleaded to be rendered with this event. In second came Tiago Silva, more than two hours after the winner. The third in the race was Marco Almeida 2h:24m after Leão Pinto, followed by Greg Anderson 3h:24m and Ricardo Melo 3h:52m.
the individual delivery of prizes and souvenirs to all the athletes present was at the final dinner. Antonio Malvar thanked all and praised the epic achievement done by all who managed to finish the Transportugal GARMIN 2010, the hardest edition ever. He also thanked the excellent work done by the staff of the race, fully committed to make sure athletes always felt safe and monitored leading to a warm round of applause by all athletes.
The entries for the 2011 Transportugal GARMIN open on October 1.
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