Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
António Morgado delivered a brave and decisive sprint to win the 2026 Figueira Champions Classic. Riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, he added another important victory to the team’s strong start to the season. Morgado held off tough competition in the final metres to secure his second consecutive win at this event.
The 177.8 km single-day race, held in Figueira da Foz, was part of the UCI ProSeries. Morgado became the first rider in the race’s four-edition history to successfully defend his title. He beat Alex Aranburu of Cofidis in an exciting sprint finish, showing his strength and tactical skill under pressure.
The race unfolded under strong coastal winds, which split the peloton and made the event more tactical. Early in the race, a breakaway group moved clear, forcing teams to work hard to control the pace. The rolling circuits and wind made the final kilometres especially difficult and demanding for all riders.
With about 6 km remaining, a select group including Morgado, Aranburu, and Brandon McNulty broke away from the rest. In the closing stretch, Morgado stayed close to Aranburu’s initial sprint and then launched his powerful kick to claim the win. This victory was his second of the 2026 season, following his earlier success at the Trofeo Calvià.
The win in Figueira da Foz marked the second victory of the day for UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Earlier, Marc Soler secured the overall victory at the Vuelta Murcia. The race also faced a stage neutralisation due to heavy winds, which temporarily halted proceedings and ensured rider safety during challenging conditions.
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