“Don’t even think that the Tour of Portugal is a minor race. There are enough spectators and competition to feel like we are at the Tour de France.” 

Directeur sportif for IAM Cycling, Marcello Albasini immediately points to the successful race his riders have been having since the start in Lisbon on Wednesday. Aside from the difficult course and return of the heat wave, the strengths of the participants have added spice to the event. During the third stage between Trofa and Fafe, IAM Cycling riders had to roll up their sleeves to defend the yellow jersey of Marcel Wyss. Reviewing their success, Marcello Albasini had to take off his hat to the whole team. 

“We really sweated it out, literally and figuratively. It was between 38 and 40 degrees, and the course was very hilly with some 6 kilometre-type climbs.  But I’m very proud of the whole team. Pliuschin and Schelling worked the front of the pack for around 100 kilometres to keep the escape group within sight. But what pleased me most is that we accomplished everything we discussed in the team meeting this morning. That means that we have reached a stage where we can work as a team, completely in unison. This collective strength has paid off and it allows us to look at the future with optimism. But we know that it will be very hard Sunday for the fourth stage which has a summit finish at 1,800 metres; that’s a climb that will leave its mark.”

Fresh from receiving his second yellow jersey, Marcel Wyss could not hide his joy when talking about this day that has been unlike any other for him. 

“I’m just completely happy, and it is such a pleasure wearing the yellow jersey because I do not have any untoward pressure. The Portuguese riders have a whole nation’s hopes on them since this is their national tour. But I am not a favourite, and it’s hard work for the team to help me keep the yellow jersey. In my career I have not often worn leader’s jerseys, aside from the 2008 la Flèche du Sud. That time I had won the prologue and remained the leader till the last stage.”