UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider Adrià Pericas claimed his first professional victory on stage 7 of the Volta a Portugal the team reported on its website. The 20-year-old Spaniard in his debut season with the squad outsprinted race leader Alexis Guérin and two-time overall champion Artem Nych after the trio broke clear with 34 kilometres remaining. Pericas crossed the line first in a time of three hours 48 minutes 33 seconds according to results detailed by Cyclingnews.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the young rider who was selected for the race alongside strong teammates as the squad targeted valuable points. Pericas delivered on the punchy uphill finish at Termas do Gerês where he proved stronger than the more experienced Anicolor pair in the sprint. The performance underscores the team’s strategy of providing opportunities to emerging talents in mid-season stage races.
A breakaway group established its advantage on the tough day in the saddle and the decisive move eventually reduced to the three leaders who held off the chasing pack. Guérin maintained his position in the general classification while Nych who has claimed the Volta a Portugal title in 2024 and 2025 according to ProCyclingStats data could not match Pericas in the final sprint. The stage outcome highlighted the tactical execution by the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider in the closing kilometres.
The Volta a Portugal first contested in 1927 has reached 88 editions by 2026 with ProCyclingStats recording David Blanco as the rider with the most overall victories at five. Portugal’s premier cycling event typically spans two weeks and attracts a mix of domestic and international squads seeking to build form or secure points. This year’s edition has already featured early success for the UAE squad including a prologue win by another rider.
Pericas who turned professional with the WorldTour team at the start of the season had been searching for his breakthrough result throughout the campaign. His win arrives as the squad continues to develop young riders capable of competing at the highest level. Team officials noted the result as confirmation of the progress shown by the Spaniard in recent months.
Further stages remain in the Portuguese race which concludes later this week and the UAE Team Emirates-XRG contingent will look to support Pericas in subsequent opportunities. The squad’s participation aligns with its broader calendar that includes both Grand Tours and smaller stage events across Europe. Results from the Volta a Portugal contribute to seasonal objectives for developing athletes within the organisation.
