Delio Fernández (W52- Quinta da Lixa) has won the second stage of the Tour of Portugal

The stage started with a breakaway of 5 riders: Spanish Fernando Grijalba (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA), Dutch Coen Vermeltfoort (Cyclingteam Join's-Derijke), German Georg Loef (Team Stuttgart), Belgian Stef Van Zummeren (Verandas Willems) and the leader of the mountain classification, Portuguese Bruno Silva (LA-Aluminios).

The five escapees had a difference of 6 minutes from the peloton, although this advantage was reduced as the kilometers passed. In the climbs to Villa de Ouro (3rd Category), Covas de Barroso (2nd Category), and Virtelo (3rd Category), Bruno Silva was the first of the escapees to reach the summit and secured the blue jersey of the mountain classification for another day after earning points on Thursday in the first stage of the race.

With 20 kilometers to go, Grijalba decided to go solo due to the proximity of the peloton, which caught up with the escapees thanks to the high pace set by Team Efapel at the front of the group. The Portuguese team achieved their goal and, with 15 kilometers to go, managed to catch the Spanish rider. The ascent to the top of the Serra do Larouco (9.3 kilometers at 5.6%) started with the peloton grouped together.

The W52 - Quinta da Lixa team took charge and set a strong pace in the early ramps of the climb, although around 40 riders managed to stay with the peloton. Cyclists like David de la Fuente (Efapel) or Byron Guama (Ecuador) couldn't keep up with the pace at the front, and the leader, Gaetan Bille, also dropped 3 kilometers from the finish line. At that moment, Marcos García (Louletano) decided to try his luck from a distance. But in the last kilometer, Delio Fernández launched a powerful attack and only José Gonçalves could follow his wheel. After catching García, the Spanish rider had more strength and won the stage.

After today's stage, Gustavo César Veloso (W52 - Quinta da Lixa) became the new leader of the Portuguese tour. Tomorrow, the third stage will be held with a route of 172 kilometers between Boticas and Fafe, where a mass sprint is expected at the finish line.