Patrick Schelling and Marcel Wyss show their strengths in Portugal

The Tour of Portugal will certainly provide a good show for the next two stages.  With a mountain top finish tomorrow and then an individual time trial on the eve of the final stage into Viseu, the deserving winner will be clear Saturday evening.

Today’s seventh stage from Termas de Montfortinho to Gouveia gave Raul Alarcon (Louletano) the chance to grab his moment of glory by finishing 1’29” ahead of the small chasing group, containing not only the current race leader Sergio Pardilla (MTN Qhubeka), but also IAM Cycling’s Marcel Wyss (4^th) and  Patrick Schelling (16^th).  After the stage, directeur sportif Marcello Albasini could not hide his satisfaction that his riders fought so well among the favorites for final victory.

“I am very happy and proud of our guys.  Patrick Schelling has finally shown his true potential.  He jumped away in the break early and then found the strength to stay alongside Marcel Wyss in the group of favorites.  As for Wyss, our leader, he managed to conserve his resources well and not go into the red zone; he has certainly preserved his chances.  Tomorrow, after the second summit finish of the race, we will know which riders will truly have a chance to battle for the overall victory in Saturday’s 31 kilometer time trial.  And I hope to see Marcel Wyss among them.”

With his feet still soaking in an ice bath, Patrick Schelling admitted he wouldn’t soon forget his Portuguese baptism by fire.

“Today the temperature barely ever dropped below 30 degrees Celsius.  On average it hung around a brutal 38 degrees.  Nevertheless, I joined the breakaway after 8 kilometers of racing.  I rode my own pace up the first climb.  Then when the yellow jersey group caught us, I was able to hook on.  I gave everything I had and was certainly at my limit.  But having Marcel Wyss there with me motivated me.  I was at his side in case he ever was in difficulty.  Arriving with the group of favorites convinces me that I have what it takes to be in the company of the best riders next season.  Now, above all I want to finish the race and definitely be there to help Marcel in the mountain stage tomorrow.”