Portugal's new climbing sensation should join Bahrain - Victorious after breakthrough Volta a Portugal

Afonso Eulálio is leaving the Portuguese peloton and his destination is the top echelon of world cycling. The revelation was made by the ABTF Betão - Feirense rider after winning the 5th stage of the Jornal de Notícias Grand Prix. And there are already reports linking him to Bahrain - Victorious.

According to TopCycling, the 22-year-old will join the likes Pello Bilbao and Lenny Martinez (also a 2025 signing), signing a contract valid for the next two seasons. Another interested team would have been Cofidis, but the Asian outfit got in on the act. Eulálio is managed by A&J All Sports, the same agency that manages dozens of athletes including also the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Jasper Philipsen.

Afonso Eulálio is having an excellent season. The ABTF Betão - Feirense rider took his second victory of the year in the 5th stage of the Jornal de Notícias Grand Prix, in a two-man sprint with Frederico Figueiredo. This after winning the finish at the top of Montejunto in July for the Troféu Joaquim Agostinho.

"Portugal gave me a lot, I ended up growing up a lot in Portuguese cycling. I've always seen myself as a domestique rider in Portugal. Of course, this year I've improved a lot, and even last year, I'm getting better and better. Of course, I couldn't be a team manager at this level anymore, but I think I'm going to the World Tour and I'm going to be an excellent team rider", admits the 22-year-old cyclist to Jornal de Notícias.

Eulálio really brought in a lot of attention during the Volta ao Portugal where in the extreme heat and high altitude, he attacked the famous Serra da Estrela to make a massive leap in the overall classification. Although he presents himself as a pure climber, he could be a very useful piece for any World Tour team taking into consideration the performances that he has shown this year.