LAIGUEGLIA – Antonio Morgado has started his second season in the ranks of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG with a different pace than last year. The Portuguese, who as a junior had amazed everyone with his strength, so much so that he immediately jumped into the WorldTour after just one year as an under-23, he has already found two victories in just fifteen days of racingA very respectable haul considering the competition and the level within the world's number one team. Born in 2004, with a well-built physique, massive and with so much power in his legs that he seems like he could split the world.
Another step
At the Laigueglia Trophy his contribution was fundamental Juan Ayuso to control the race, setting a pace that hurt manyIf the Spaniard, just two years older than Morgado, managed to win in Liguria, he owes it as much to his own skills as to those of the mustachioed Portuguese.
Just finished the Trophy Laigueglia, still finished in twenty-fifth position just over a minute behind Ayuso, we ask him to speak and he agrees. After a quick refreshment on the Emirati team bus, Morgado descends the steps with a languid look and a barely visible smile begins to speak.
“I feel good, thank you,” he tells us immediately. “I trained really well and I’m happy with my form. After a year in the WorldTour I think I've grown a lotI feel more comfortable in competition and much more motivated. This season I think I've taken a further step forward."
Do you have many goals for this season?
No, My goal is to be consistent and try to win races when I'm given the freedom, otherwise I'll make myself available to my teammates to help them win. That's all.
What steps do you feel you have taken?
Mentally and physically. I feel stronger mentally, last year was different. It was the first year in this world and you never know what can happenYou always think that others are stronger or too strong, but then you realize that this is not the case. Running alongside great champions and professionals is very nice., because I get to see how they live, eat, and recover. So I think I'm privileged to be part of this team.
Even though it was your first year in the WorldTour last year you went to Flanders and took a fantastic fifth place, initially it seemed like you didn't like these races…
They are a different kind of racing. In 2024 I went to the North for the first time, even as a junior I had never run there. Going straight into events of that level is different, but I felt good and I started to appreciate that type of race.
What do you like about this kind of racing, racing on the pavement?
They are tough and long, when you go there it is impossible to win without training. You can't hide and I like that a lot.But I don't imagine myself in just one type of competition, I like coming to Laigueglia and trying to win it, as it was in Spain and Portugal at the beginning of the yearIt's nice to be able to play a card when you come to the races.
What does it mean to be in the best team in the world with the strongest cyclist at the moment? Would you like to be in his shoes one day?
Yes, of course. I really like this team. But I think we have to respect everyone, when you have the best athlete in the world you work for him., I never had the desire to surpass him in the hierarchy. Having Tadej in the team (pogacar, ed.) pushes us all to do our best. It's a pleasure to race with these types of athletes.
What steps can you take to become the strongest in the world?
You can only improve your strength, become increasingly competitiveThis is the only thing you can do if you have large numbers.
This year you'll try to do some major stage races. Do you think that's up your alley?
No, I won't do any more. Before I know if I can become that kind of rider I have to participate first. I'm not really sure what kind of athlete I am right now, really. When I have good legs I think I can do a bit of everythingBut when I'm not fit, I can't do anything. I like feeling good; it's a feeling that gives me confidence and makes me know I can do my best.
