Palmanova, Spain – Portuguese Antonio Morgado, driver of the Emirates XRG cycling team, achieved a remarkable victory in the Trofeo Calvia race, the opening round of Challenge Mallorca 2026.
After outperforming the Spaniard Hector Alvarez in the final start.
The race was held in harsh climatic conditions characterized by heavy rain and extreme cold.
This intensified the competition and physical exhaustion, and resulted in a strong confrontation between Morgado and Alvarez that extended to the finish line in the Palmanova region.
The race witnessed an early conflict between the main group and the advanced group, which included Adrian Boichis, Auden Holter, and Georg Steinhauser.
Before a win seems within their reach with less than 40 kilometers to go.
Meanwhile, Morgado launched a solo attack 33 kilometers before the end, and later succeeded, along with Alvarez, in reducing the difference and catching up with the lead.
With the recent climb, “Col de Soma – 2.6 km at a rate of 5%”, Morgado and Alvarez imposed their rhythm and took the lead.
Before the confrontation between them was decided in the final start in favor of the Emirates – XRG team cyclist.
The team concluded a special day yesterday with two of its riders in the top ten.
Nils Pollet finished eighth and Rune Herrigodts ninth, in their first competitive appearance of the season.
