After a stellar performance in the stage three time trial by Evan Huffman, Rally Cycling looked to finish the Volta ao Algarve strong in the final two stages. Stage four looked to be one for the sprinters and the team dedicated itself to delivering Eric Young to the finish in position to fight for the victory. A series of sharp rollers in the closing kilometers resulted in the peloton shattering. Young was caught out temporarily, but with the help of his teammates was able to rejoin the peloton successfully just as the sprint for the line started. The result was a minor placing, but a strong showing of resilience and teamwork.
The final stage on Sunday ended with a brutal 2.8-kilometer ascent to Alto do Malháo. The final climb featured an average gradient of over 8% and the team looked to launch Rob Britton or Sepp Kuss up the road for the stage victory. Unfortunately, the battle for the general classification was hotly contested and on the technical run-in to the final ascent the team lost position. Despite not taking a stage victory, the team rode well and looks forward to continuing its European campaign at the Volta ao Alentejo (UCI 2.1) February 22 – 26.
7 years ago by Sam Wiebe
