“I knew I was going well, but I never thought I’d finish in the top 10” — Afonso Eulálio reacts to stunning Kigali Worlds breakthrough

Afonso Eulálio claimed ninth place in the road race at the World Championships in Kigali, finishing as the best Portuguese rider in a brutal 267.5-kilometre contest featuring more than 5,500 metres of climbing. Victory went to Tadej Pogacar, who once again pulled on the rainbow jersey, underlining his status as the sport’s biggest star.

At just 23 years of age, the Bahrain - Victorious rider became only the second Portuguese — after Rui Costa — to secure a top-10 finish in the elite men’s World Championship road race.

“I knew I was in good shape, but I never thought I’d close it out in the top 10. It was a super-tough Worlds, but I managed to control my race. When Pogacar attacked from distance, I didn’t go all-in or on the limit, because I knew a bigger group would chase. I tried to save myself and make the difference where I knew I could. To take a top 10 at a Worlds is hugely motivating. I’ve spent the year working for the team, so to end the season with this result is very rewarding,” Eulálio told the Portuguese Cycling Federation’s official channels.

This result caps off a highly promising debut season at WorldTour level. After moving to Bahrain-Victorious at the start of 2025 from ABTF-Feirense, Eulálio has confirmed the progress expected of him. The previous year, he lit up the Volta a Portugal by wearing the yellow jersey for five stages after his victory on the Torre, only losing it on the penultimate day at Senhora da Graça.

In Kigali, the rider from Figueira da Foz showed tactical composure and resilience, always keeping himself in contention. In the closing stages he was part of the third chasing group behind Pogacar, alongside the likes of Primoz Roglic, Juan Ayuso, Giulio Ciccone, Toms Skujins and Isaac del Toro.

National coach José Poeira was full of admiration for the young Portuguese rider afterwards: “It was a very difficult race, with brutal climbing, and Afonso managed it extremely well. But it’s not just about managing, you need the ability too — and he showed that he has it. To come in with the best, leaving so many big names behind, and to finish ninth is spectacular. We can’t forget that Afonso is only 23.”

Poeira also recalled the bad luck that struck Eulálio in 2024: “He rode the Worlds last year, but suffered mechanical problems and a crash that stopped him showing his true level. That experience helped him this time, and now, a year later, he’s in the top 10 of such a tough World Championship. It’s hugely positive to see such a young rider achieving this result in a race of this scale.”