“Everything is possible because there are still more beautiful stages to come, and the time trial especially will suit my strengths. Although I lost the yellow jersey today, it is not a disaster.” 

Marcel Wyss (15. at 1’01’’) remained calm at the end of the fourth stage from Arouca to the peak of Mondim de Basto (181.4 km). Even if the Portuguese had hoped to take top honors on this difficult climb and the Spaniard Sergio Pardilla (MTN/Qhubeka) actually managed to grab the double victory of the stage and overall lead, the IAM Cycling team still remained true to its principles. Reto Hollenstein provided tangible evidence of this determination by getting into the day’s breakaway and winning three intermediate sprints in spite of a brutal day in 45 degree temperatures. 

Marcel Wyss confirmed that the stage was extremely difficult with three category 3 climbs and summit finish at the top of a category 1 beast that reached up to 1,800 meters. “The hardest thing was to endure and beat the heat. I suffered a lot and 20 kilometres from the finish I knew that I would not be able to go with the best. I tried instead to go at my own pace and limit my losses. I gave everything. My efforts have paid off because I overtook many riders in the last five kilometres. The gap the Portuguese has gained is not insurmountable. I have not lost the Tour of Portugal. I am motivated, and although I don’t have the same form I enjoyed at the Tour of Romandie, I will go home having given my last bit of energy.”

Kjell Carlström, one of IAM Cycling’s directors present, stressed that all the riders are committed. “Schelling, Fumeaux, Hollenstein all went hell for leather as did Aregger, Klemme, Hinault, Saramotins and Pliuschin. Collectively and tactically we did everything perfectly. This is encouraging because the Tour of Portugal is far from finished. And Marcel Wyss still has a very good chance.”