Emirates News Agency reported that Julius Johansen completed the 6.5-kilometre time trial in Belém in seven minutes and 12 seconds. The Danish rider finished four seconds ahead of teammate Rui Oliveira to take the stage win and the race lead. This result marked a strong opening for UAE Team Emirates-XRG in its first participation in the Portuguese stage race.
Cyclingnews reported that Portuguese rider Rafael Reis placed third at seven seconds while Luca Giaimi of the UAE squad took fourth at nine seconds and Artem Nych finished fifth at 14 seconds. The top positions reflected a mix of international and domestic teams competing in the event’s opening test. The Volta a Portugal in its 87th edition continues to serve as a flagship event on the national calendar drawing competitors from across Europe.
The team said in a statement that the prologue success represented Johansen’s fourth short individual time trial victory of the season. Such results have positioned the rider as a specialist in these early tests against the clock. His form provides a solid platform as the race progresses into full road stages over the coming days.
Organisers have laid out a route exceeding 1,000 kilometres with a series of demanding climbs and transitional stages following the flat prologue. Several Portuguese continental squads challenged the visiting team with competitive showings in the time trial. The event offers key opportunities for local riders to measure themselves against higher-category opposition.
Additional coverage from race updates highlighted the historic setting in Belém that drew crowds for the opening day. The UAE-backed team’s participation added further international attention to this edition of the race. Further placings saw riders from Euskaltel-Euskadi secure positions just outside the top five.
