The 2021 Volta a Portugal is turning into a highlight reel for Rally Cycling as Kyle Murphy captured his second stage win in glorious fashion, distancing his 17 breakaway companions during the mountaintop finish on stage 8 to claim victory. Murphy’s teammate Ben King also won stage 7 and finished runner-up on stage 8, making this the most successful European stage race in the team’s history.
“Two is amazing, shocking, I’m over the moon,” said Murphy. “I love racing in Portugal. It’s a gigantic race, the fans are incredible, and there’s good weather.”
🇵🇹 You can’t make it up! @stinky_carl wins his second stage of #VPSantander21 only minutes after Joyce wins in #PNDKR21🇩🇰 🤯
Is this what is feels like to be @deceuninck_qst all the time?! pic.twitter.com/UwxDjtMqRU
— Rally Cycling (@Rally_Cycling) August 13, 2021
‘A Grandíssima’ is one of the most difficult stage races in the world. Filled with endless climbs, hot temperatures, and a world-class Portuguese peloton, simply crossing the finish line could be considered a victory. Tension in the peloton would be expected but Murphy’s experience is quite different.
“The attitude in the peloton is really relaxed until it’s go time,” added Murphy. “Then, we race really really hard. I like it.”
When asked if he’d like to make it a hat trick and chase victory on stage 9, the Vermont resident simply laughed.
“I think it’s time to relax. I’m so tired. I just hope we can come back next year with the family to enjoy some food and chase another stage win.”
On the off chance Murphy is playing coy, you may want to tune in tomorrow on RTP.
Stage 8 results
1 MURPHY Kyle Rally Cycling 4:12:06
2 PARRA José Félix Equipo Kern Pharma 0:13
3 CASIMIRO Henrique Kelly / Simoldes / UDO 0:25
4 GONCALVES Gaspar Tavfer-Measindot-Mortágua 0:54
5 MORENO Adrià Burgos-BH 0:58
6 MOREIRA Mauricio Efapel 1:10
7 SALGUEIRO Carlos L.A. Aluminios / L.A. Sport ”
8 BRANDÃO Joni W52 / FC Porto 1:14
9 FIGUEIREDO Frederico Efapel ”
10 ANTUNES Amaro W52 / FC Porto 1:16
