Portuguese Antonio Morgado, runner-up in the 2022 World Juniors, made a big impression during the UAE Team Emirates Training Camp. “That young man was the only one who managed to follow Tadej Pogacar, when he trained, after six hours of training at an average of forty km/hr”, Tim Wellens told Sporza.
Morgado is good, very good
The Portuguese currently participates in the Tour Down Under, where he finds stages tailored to his needs. Sporting director Joxean Fernández would not be surprised if Morgado won immediately at WorldTour level.
“Morgado is good, very good. I have no doubt he will win races in his first professional year. He will already be the big revelation of the international squad this year.”
Care that not even Pogacar and Ayuso had
UAE Team Emirates realizes that they have a jewel on their hands, with Morgado. But the shy Portuguese must be well surrounded. “António is someone who needs trust and affection”, says sports manager Matxin.
“That’s why I care about him and take him under my wing. I’ve never done that, not even with Pogacar or Ayuso.”
Matxin has special dedication to young talents. “He can call me at any time of the day, up to 2 a.m., although my wife might not like that,” laughs Matxin.
There is great confidence in Morgado at UAE Team Emirates. “Morgado is shy and doesn’t talk much. But when he rides a bike he is a different person and becomes a killer. I don’t think he’s going to become a star, I’m sure.”
Dream of a lifetime
Among juniors, Morgado was nicknamed Zorro by his colleagues. Because he shares the same mustache and the same name as the Zorro actor, Antonio Banderas. In which areas will “Zorro” Morgado be able to triumph in the coming years?
In an interview with the Belgian channel Sporza, António Morgado, despite his shyness, revealed a little about his ambitions.
“I have never raced in Flanders”, reveals Morgado, one of the places he will be present in this season. “It will be a journey of discovery.” Deep down, the 19-year-old, like so many young people, dreams of eternal glory in the Grand Tours.
“I dreamed all my life of becoming a qualifying cyclist and shining in the Tour.”
But there is still one obstacle. “I’m a little heavy, I weigh 70.5 kilos. We have time to work on it.”
Check out António Morgado’s interview on Sporza