António Morgado looking to match compatriot João Almeida in the coming years: "If I ever manage to get even close to him, I will be proud"

António Morgado has had an incredibly successful season in the junior ranks this year bringing in almost three dozens victories, however at the World Championships the spotlight was on him, and the Portuguese rider has shown himself to the world with a world-class performance in Wollongong. 

In an interview with Portuguese Cycling Magazine, Morgado has talked about his World Championships race, in which he finished second after an ever-aggressive performance and a tight sprint against future teammate Emil Herzog. The duo is set to become one of the most watched figures in the under-23 peloton, following equally impressive seasons that leave much to wonder. 

“I hope to be prepared, but we will see, only for the year will I get these answers. I will continue to work and see how it goes," he said. The 18-year old has seen some of his peloton colleagues jump directly onto the World Tour, but he will remain in the traditional path, riding through the American team which has hosted many of his compatriots in recent years that have reached World Tour level, including João Almeida.

"João Almeida's level is within the reach of few, it's a level completely above. If I ever manage to get even close to him, I will be proud," he said. Coming from the same city as Almeida, going through the same junior team as the UAE Team Emirates rider and displaying similar abilities - if not even more impressive - in the junior field, a lot is expected of the Portuguese as the country emerges as a continuously increasing source of high-quality riders.