Remco Evenepoel (Soudal QuickStep) showed his strength once again, winning his first race of the season, the Figueira Champions Classic, after a 55-kilometer solo attack. Vito Braet (Intermarché-Wanty) came second after beating the small chasing pack after finishing with a big disadvantage, followed by Simone Velasco (Astana Qazaqstan Team).
Initial escape with 7 cyclists, including André Carvalho
The one-day race in Portugal contained many meters of altitude. The athletes had to overcome two tough climbs, Rua Parque Forestal (2.3 km at 7.8%) and Enforca Cães (2.3 km at 7.9%). The competition also included high-level runners such as Marc Hirschi, Isaac Del Toro and Andrea Bagioli.
And as expected, an early breakout was formed. It included André Carvalho, who returns to a Portuguese team (Sabgal-Anicolor), after a period in the French World Tour team Cofidis, Hugo Nunes (Radio Popular-Paredes-Boa Vista), Luís Fernandes (Credibom-LA Alumínios-Marcos Car) , Bruno Silva (Tavfer-Ovos Matinados-Mortágua), Afonso Eulálio (ABTF Betão-Feirense) as well as the Spaniards Ibai Azurmendi (Euskaltel Euskadi) and José Félix Parra (Kern Pharma). However, the escape was neutralized with 80km to go.
Remco Evenepoel’s withering attack
And with 55 km to go, the big star of the competition showed what he could be capable of by launching a devastating attack.
Attack by António Morgado separated group
Just before the final climb of Rua Parque Forestal, Del Toro returned to the reduced peloton. Another young man from UAE Team Emirates appeared on the climb. The home cyclist, António Morgado, pressed hard, which led to eleven riders separating, including another Portuguese, Ruben Guerreiro.
In fact, the fight was for second place, as Evenepoel proved to be unattainable. Team leader Soudal Quick-Step managed to celebrate his victory well before the finish line. Almost two minutes after Evenepoel’s arrival, the peloton arrived with Vito Braet winning the sprint.
Portuguese in the test
Cyclist Ruben Guerreiro (Movistar Team) in 9th place, António Morgado (UAE Team Emirates) in 14th place and Luís Gomes (Kelly-Simoldes-UDO) were the Portuguese with the best places in the Figueira Champions Classic 2024.
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Complete results of the Figueira Champions Classic 2024
