One-two-five for UAE in Algarve – Who is the leader? "We’re here for João, António, and me," says winner Christen

At just 20 years old, the Swiss rider surprised many by winning atop the Alto da Fóia. "I’m super happy. It’s a great stage win," he said in the flash interview. The steep, unpredictable final climb suited him well, as he attacked multiple times. "The first part of the stage was relatively easy in the end, but the final climb was all-out. Now, I’m a bit speechless. To win a climbers' stage like this with such a strong field at the start. I’m very grateful to the team, because João and António (Morgado, who finished fifth, ed.) were there to support me."

This marks the team’s ninth win of the season and Christen’s second. "It’s a fantastic start, already my second victory." He had already won the Trofeo Calvià in Mallorca back in January, but this one felt even bigger. "Today is definitely one of the best wins so far, with a climbing finish like this," Christen said. With the victory, he also takes the overall lead, as stage one ended with no time gaps after its chaotic finish.

Team leader Almeida attacked hard in the final kilometer, dropping his rivals and sealing UAE’s dominance. But who is the real team leader? Christen is clear: "We’re here for João, António, and me in the GC. We’ll go for it with all three of us. Now, the priority is resting the legs, and then defending the strong GC positions in the time trial." After two relatively flat stages, the Volta ao Algarve will conclude with a challenging, hilly 20-kilometer time trial that could decide the final winner.