Volta a Portugal: Abner González soars to victory on queen stage

Abner González (Efapel Cycling) charged to the summit of Monte Farinha on stage 9 of the Volta a Portugal and claimed the victory on the queen stage.

Artem Nych (Sabgal-Anicolor) crossed the finish six seconds back at Mondim de Basto next to the Senhora da Graça sanctuary and moved into the overall race lead, displacing Portuguese rider Afonso Eulálio (ABTF Betão-Feirense). He joined the day’s breakaway of 30 riders early on and stayed at the front of the race until the final 200 metres to move from 13th to the GC lead.

González conquered the 10km climb of the 170.8km stage, but only distancing Nych in the final section, with David Delgado (Burgos-BH) in third, 22 seconds back. He used the ride to move 14 positions in the general classification, now 49 seconds behind the new race leader Nych.

“I’m happy, very happy! This stage was very special for me and the team was great. We wanted to change and turn things around and everyone’s work was huge. Tomorrow is a very important day. We’re going to fight to win the Tour of Portugal, but we’ll see what happens”, said Nych, who won stage 6 after the rest day.

Sunday brings the finale of the 10-day stage race, a hilly 26.6km individual time trial in Viseu.

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