Who is Hugo Sabido?

By Christian Lagneaux, www.velo-club.net

Volta ao Algarve winner Hugo Sabido (Paredes R.M.-Beirata) is one of a rising generation of Portuguese riders, along with talents such as Olympic road race silver medalist Sergio Paulinho and Nuno Ribeiro (both Liberty Seguros). Sabido clinched victory in the Volta ao Algarve in fine style, attacking 2.5km from the finish on the Alto do Malhão and leaving behind race contenders such as José Luis Rubiera (Discovery Channel) and Stuart O'Grady (Cofidis).

Born December 14, 1979, Sabido won several races as a junior and turned pro in 2002 for the Porta da Ravessa team. He took his first professional victory almost immediately in the GP Abimota. He moved to Barbot in 2003 and while he didn't win any races that year he had a solid season, finishing third in the Volta a Alentejo and posting good results in some Portuguese races. Last year he joined Milaneza where he was second in the Portuguese time trial championship behind after Paulinho and won a stage of the Tour of Poland, finishing second overall.

An all-rounder who can sprint, climb and time trial, Sabiso has stepped into the leadership role at the Parades Rota dos Móveis - Beira Tamega Continental team this year, and Portuguese fans will be hoping for great things to come from the 25-year-old who took both the mountains and overall classifications in the Tour of Algarve.