Imagine shattering expectations in the high-stakes world of professional cycling, rising from the ranks of continental racing to claim a top-10 finish at the World Championships – that's the electrifying journey of Portuguese cyclist Afonso Eulálio, and trust me, it's packed with lessons that could change how you view the sport. But here's where it gets controversial: is chasing elite attacks always worth the risk, or is there wisdom in knowing when to hold back? Let's dive into his breakthrough year and uncover the insights he's gained along the way.
Afonso Eulálio stands out as one of the rare Portuguese riders who successfully transitioned from the vibrant but challenging continental circuit to the esteemed World Tour stage. Hailing from a country with a rich cycling heritage, his ascent to Bahrain-Victorious marked a pivotal moment in his career. The team, known for nurturing young talent, signed him with high hopes, and he quickly proved to be one of their most promising additions. His debut season at the pinnacle of the sport was nothing short of astonishing, blending raw potential with hard-earned growth. He opens up about his impressive top-10 result at the World Championships, his 2026 race calendar that includes a comeback to the prestigious Giro d'Italia, and the valuable lessons he's learned from shadowing attacks by cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar. For newcomers to cycling, think of the World Tour as the elite league where the world's best riders compete in grueling events spanning weeks, demanding peak physical and mental conditioning.
Reflecting on his early days with the team, Eulálio recalls an interview in December 2024 at Altea, where he was adapting to a new environment far more complex than his previous experiences. As a newcomer, he grappled with language barriers – his English was still developing – and the sheer scale of the operation, with a support staff exponentially larger than what he'd known before. "Yes, it turned out to be a period of intense learning, and this upcoming year will be much the same; we'll keep building on that because there's always more to discover," he noted. "It was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, a bit inconsistent, but our focus now is on building more steadiness, reevaluating our race schedule, and experimenting with fresh approaches." This adaptability highlights how even seasoned professionals view each season as a learning curve, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in a sport where variables like weather, tactics, and competition can shift dramatically.
His season kicked off with undeniable strength, unveiling his talent right from the start. At the Tour Down Under, a renowned Australian stage race known for its challenging terrain and competitive fields, Eulálio made a bold statement by launching an attack on the iconic Old Willunga Hill. For those unfamiliar, stage races like this involve multiple days of racing, where riders accumulate time across stages to determine the overall winner. As a 24-year-old determined not to blend into the pack, he showed he had the power and strategy to stand out. His consistent efforts earned him a spot in the Giro d'Italia, the second Grand Tour of the season (for context, Grand Tours are the cycling world's equivalent of marathons, spanning three weeks across mountains, flats, and everything in between). There, fellow team members like Antonio Tiberi aimed for podium glory, while Damiano Caruso clinched an impressive fifth place overall.
Eulálio's moment in the spotlight came during the Giro's final week, particularly on stage 17, where he charged up the legendary Passo del Mortirolo. "I didn't overthink it," he explained. "I was part of the breakaway group and wasn't focused on claiming the mountain points prize; I was just pushing for the stage win." As the general classification contenders battled fiercely behind him, he remained at the front, though victory eluded him that day. "The team adopted a more cautious stance, so I had to bide my time with the main group," he reflected. "That's how racing unfolded." Nevertheless, his efforts supporting Caruso were recognized, setting the stage for further achievements. His season didn't fade after Italy; he continued to shine, demonstrating growth in various races.
At the Vuelta a Burgos, he secured a strong third place on the opening stage, showcasing his ability in shorter, punchier events. He then tackled a diverse late-season calendar, including stage races and classics that suited his aggressive style. One highlight was the Tour of Britain, where he attacked fiercely on the queen stage to The Tumble, finishing fourth that day while Remco Evenepoel claimed victory. Eulálio rounded out sixth in the overall standings. "Sure, there was some pressure this year, but the team kept things relaxed, not piling on expectations. Whether I got dropped 10 or 100 kilometers from the finish, it was treated similarly," he shared. "But now, after that top-10 at the worlds, I can't view things so casually anymore. I'm approaching the calendar differently, aiming higher, and pushing for improvement." This shift underscores how a single breakthrough can transform an athlete's mindset, turning potential into ambition.
A significant aspect of his year involved racing alongside Tadej Pogacar, the reigning World Champion known for his explosive style. "It's the aggressive racing approach I enjoy – sometimes opportunities arise, other times my legs aren't up to it," Eulálio said. "I embraced it offensively in places like the short climbs of GP Québec, and even in Italy at Tre Valli Varesine." In both Québec and Tre Valli Varesine, he found himself in the thick of the action with the Slovenian star. Yet, these encounters taught him costly lessons. "It's always a gamble that can drain you," he admitted. "That day in Québec, it took a toll, and in both races, I ended up around 40th because the effort was massive."
The pinnacle came at the World Championships in Kigali, where Pogacar launched his decisive move for a second rainbow jersey. Eulálio was right there, in the heart of the drama. But this time, he chose restraint. "At the Worlds, I didn't even twitch a muscle; I was beside him as he attacked, and I held back, not attempting a response or ramping up my effort," he revealed. "That's when things clicked better. Trying to match his path often leads to unnecessary risks." And this is the part most people miss: in a sport obsessed with aggression, sometimes the smartest move is to conserve energy and play the long game.
The Kigali race – spanning six and a half hours, with over 5,000 meters of climbing and featuring the planet's top cyclists – marked his true coming-out party. Finishing ninth, sandwiched between heavyweights like Juan Ayuso and Tom Pidcock, Eulálio's name shone brightly in that elite top-10. "I thrive in tough races, and this was a prime example," he commented. "I didn't foresee a top-10 spot; I just stayed with the lead group, relished the challenge, and gave it my all from the start." This result hints at his future potential in punchy, explosive races, yet he remains committed to honing his climbing prowess. "As mentioned, those shorter climbs are key – we need to focus on that this year, dialing back on pure explosiveness to build for longer ascents. I want to explore how far I can push my limits; hopefully, there's more to come."
Looking ahead to 2026, Eulálio has exciting opportunities to step up, whether as a potential race leader or a reliable support rider for Bahrain-Victorious's talented climbers. "We're scouting some events with future goals in mind, but leading isn't the priority yet," he clarified. "This year, we'll strategize better, and I'll demand more of myself, which means heightened expectations." His planned calendar is locked in: kicking off with the AlUla Tour, then the UAE Tour; moving to favorites like Strade Bianche and Volta a Catalunya; followed by Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Giro d'Italia. But here's where it gets controversial: should young talents like Eulálio prioritize aggressive racing over steady development, or is there a balance that top teams aren't always striking? After his surprising ninth at Kigali, as captured in that iconic Sirotti photo, Eulálio's story is far from over.
What do you think – is timing your efforts in high-stakes races like following Pogacar a skill worth mastering, or does it sometimes mean missing out on glory? Do you agree that restraint can be as powerful as aggression in cycling? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I'd love to hear if you've seen this play out in other sports or if you disagree with his approach!
