INTERVIEW: "Inspiration for younger riders who dream of reaching that level" - João Martins on what Afonso Eulálio's breakthrough means for Portuguese cycling

João Martins is one of the young figures in Portuguese cycling who has stood out the most in recent seasons. After making his professional debut at just 17, the Portuguese rider from Credibom LA Alumínios / MarcosCar has consolidated his growth with consistent results and already has a victory among the national elite, at the beginning of this June. In an interview with CyclingUpToDate and CiclismoAtual, he recalls how he started in cycling and his major role model, analyzes his evolution in recent years, and reveals that reaching a World Tour or ProTeam is a well-defined goal, with Afonso Eulálio serving as inspiration.

The passion for cycling emerged very early and there was never room for another sport.

"My passion for cycling started very early. I’ve been cycling since I was 5 years old, and it was the only federated sport I ever practiced. I grew up connected to the sport and it has always been part of my life."

Along the way, João Martins found inspiration in several riders, but one name holds a special place for his qualities on and off the bike: a fellow countryman, a friend, who rides for the best team in the world, UAE Team Emirates - XRG.

"Of course I have some role models in the sport. One of them is Rui Oliveira who, besides being my friend, I believe has a rider profile quite similar to mine, both on the road and on the track. He’s a reference for me and, obviously, I’d like to one day reach the level he’s at. Even so, I’m trying to build my own path and identity as a cyclist, without comparing myself too much to others."

In 2023, he moved directly from junior to the professional peloton, skipping the usual under-23 stage, something increasingly common in Portugal due to the weak investment in under-23 teams. Today he remains convinced it was the right choice.

"I believe it was the right decision. I felt I already had enough maturity to take that step and, looking back, I still think it was the best option. Moreover, conditions in club teams aren’t always the best nowadays, so I had access to better conditions to continue my development."

The 2024 season marked an important step in the young rider’s emergence. Despite some physical setbacks, he made his debut in flagship races such as the Volta ao Algarve and the Volta a Portugal, and also achieved four top-10 finishes in national competitions.

"Despite several setbacks, namely some crashes that forced me to stop for longer periods and prevented me from taking part in certain competitions, 2024 was an important season for me. It was the start of my breakthrough in professional cycling and I managed to achieve some results that showed my progression."

One of the most memorable moments of that year came at the Volta a Portugal do Futuro, where he won the fourth stage after a long breakaway.

"It was my first victory as an under-23 cyclist and I was very happy to finally get it after chasing it for some time. That day I attacked from quite far out, felt very good, and with the cooperation of the other riders in the break, I managed to contest the sprint and take the win after more than 100 kilometers off the front."

In 2025, João Martins put everything into preparing for the Tour de l'Avenir, even sacrificing participation in the Volta a Portugal to arrive in the best possible shape for the premier under-23 event on the international calendar. The gamble paid off and he managed to secure Top-10 placings in the sprints.

"In 2025, the Tour de l’Avenir had some stages better suited to fast riders, and so I gave up the Volta a Portugal to do an altitude camp and reach the race in the best possible form. Despite a crash in the final week of that camp, which ended up affecting my preparation, I was in good physical condition and managed to contest two stages, always with the help of my teammates from the National Team."

Last winter brought a new chapter in his career, moving from Boavista to Credibom, a team made up entirely of Portuguese riders that strongly backs youth—a decision he considers crucial to continuing his development.

"Personally, I felt I needed a change. Credibom LA showed interest in me early on and it was a project I identified with. Today I believe it was the best choice I could have made, because I’m well integrated, I have better working conditions, and I feel the team believes in me and gives me opportunities to grow."

The bet proved right and, after a few months, his first victory among the elite arrived, on stage 1 of the Grande Prémio Abimota, finishing in Anadia, where he beat compatriots João Matias and Fábio Costa in the sprint—a triumph he holds with great significance.

"Without a doubt. It was a victory I had been chasing for some time and had not yet managed to achieve. It was a very special moment because, besides winning the stage, I got to wear the yellow jersey. Above all, I felt I was able to repay the team for all the confidence and work they invested in me to make that result possible."

The strong performances did not go unnoticed, and agent Beñat Intxausti (former cyclist and Afonso Eulálio’s agent) named him as one of the Portuguese riders with the potential to make the leap to the international level. Asked about that possibility, João Martins admits that this goal is part of his plans, even though he does not yet have representation.

"The dream of riding for a ProTeam or WorldTour outfit has turned into a concrete goal, and I work every day to achieve it. I don’t have an agent yet, which makes the process more difficult, but I still believe that leap can happen if I keep evolving and delivering results."

The Portuguese rider also followed with enthusiasm Afonso Eulálio’s excellent performance at the Giro d’Italia, capped with sixth place overall and the young rider’s title, considering that his compatriot’s success represents an important boost for all of Portuguese cycling.

"I was very happy to see Afonso shine in one of the biggest races in the world. The fact that he managed to finish in the top 10 and win the white jersey is extremely positive for Portuguese cycling. Besides giving our country visibility, it also serves as an inspiration for younger riders who dream of reaching that level."

With the season entering the phase leading up to the Volta a Portugal, João Martins assures that the focus is fully on the upcoming competitions and he hopes to turn all the work done into results.

"A very important block of races is coming up, probably the most important of the season for me. So I’m fully focused on preparing in the best possible way and, as always, giving my utmost. I hope that work translates into good results, both on the road and on the track."