"I don't like these types of races. But I'm happy with 2nd" - Antonio Morgado continues to make a name for himself with impressive 2nd at Le Samyn

UAE Team Emirates' Antonio Morgado continues to forge his burgeoning career in the World Tour peloton. The recently turned 20-year-old Portuguese came within centre metres of securing victory at Le Samyn on Tuesday afternoon.

"The feeling is basically good, as I am close to a victory again," beams the prodigiously talented prospect in his post-race interview after losing out narrowly in a photo-finish with Laurens Rex. "It's second place, but I'm super happy. I'm just very happy with how things went in the last few races."

With Rex celebrating somewhat prematurely, it looked for a moment that Morgado had actually pinched victory from his rival. After multiple examinations of the finish though, the Portuguese had to settle for second. "I'm not even a sprinter," he says of the finish. "There was a difficult cobblestone section two kilometres from the finish. That caused everyone to feel tired. That's why we decided to go all out in the sprint."

Despite this latest impressive showing backing up solid effort over the weekend at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne - Bruxelles - Kuurne, Morgado isn't totally enthusiastic about the cobbles just yet. "I don't like these types of races. But I'm happy with 2nd," he concludes.