Czech Daniel Babor (Caja Rural / Seguros RGA) won the “Alqueva Stage” of the Volta ao Alentejo/ Crédito Agrícola, which started in Mourão and ended in Reguengos de Monsaraz, while his teammate Iuri Leitão is the new yellow jersey.
The stage was run at excellent speed, at the mercy of a five-aisle escape where Adam Kus (Lublin Pearl of Poland) threatened Thomas Silva's leadership (Caja Rural / Seguros RGA) since he started just 25” behind the leader. The Polish won 9 seconds in bonuses in flying targets and was leader during the 120 kilometers that the escape lasted and had a 3’25” advantage.
On the first pass across the finish line in Reguengos de Monsaraz, Tavfer/Ovos Matibados/Mortágua took over the chase aiming for Leangel Linarez's second victory, but the Spanish team's runners were more agile, with Iuri launching Babor and they made two doubles: first and second in the stage and victory in the race and yellow jersey.
Also noteworthy is the young João Martins (MV-Km 130,6-14h51), with 19 year old, who, in addition to being leader of the Youth, rose to 5th place in the General who presents himself as an excellent outsider with a view to victory in “Alentejana”.
The only runner who can repeat victory in the race, Luís Mendonça (Sabgal/Anicolor) dropped four positions, is now ninth, but with the same 12 seconds delay for the new leader.
Daniel Babor, the stage winner, said that “the team did well and with these roads I just had to do my job, being my first victory of the season”, concluded.
Iuri Leitão, the yellow sweater, highlighted the fact that “the team’s plan B worked. In 2021, before arriving in Castelo de Vide it was also a yellow jersey”, finished.
This Saturday the fourth round will be played, considered the “Queen Stage”, six mountain prize scores, the first in the famous Cabeço do Mouro. Departure in Monforte (11h30) and arrival at Castelo de Vide (15h39), taking the step 147,7 kilometers, but full of difficulties.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
