Broco tops Mestre in Mondim de Basto

The first mountain stage of the Volta a Portugal lived up to expectations, with a classic display of attacking racing on the day's final climb, the Alta da Graca won by Hernani Broco (LA - Antarte). Courtesy of his efforts the Portuguese rider also took the yellow leader's jersey.

"It was a very special victory," Broco said after the stage. "This morning I told my colleagues I wanted to try and win today to honour someone who is sorely missed today, Edgar Pinto."

Pinto fractured his femur on Saturday's rain affected stage to Santo Tirso. He is currently recovering in hospital after a successful operation was carried out last night to correct the fracture.

"I spoke to him, and he said he would be cheering for us today," continued Broco. "I dedicate this victory to him, and to my family - who have supported me through the good times and the bad."

With today's win Broco now leads the Volta a Portugal by a slender four seconds over Sergio Ribiero (Barbot - Epafel), but played down any thoughts of keeping the jersey till the race finish in Lisbon on August 15.

"I think for now I just want to enjoy today, savour the victory," said Broco. "There's still a long way to go in this race, and there will be plenty of riders launching attacks in the days ahead."

How it unfolded

The day began in Viana do Castelo on the coast of Portugal and an escape formed very early with seven riders. The best known of the escape was Portuguese wonderkind Joni Domingos Brandao, and with a concerted effort pulled out to an advantage of over six minutes.

In the final 10 kilometres the chase had caught all of the morning's escape with the exception of Brandao who put up a fierce resistance on the early slopes of the Alta da Graca to stay away. With six kilometres to go the favourites finally caught up with Brandao and it was David Livramento (Tavira / Prio) who launched the first attack.

Livramento's lead was short-lived however and it was Broco and Mestre who jumped inside the final kilometre. Thousands of people watched on as the two jockeyed for position in the last few hundred metres. In the end Broco was strongest in the sprint to take a big victory for his LA - Antarte team.

Video Credit - Volta a Portugal