Rui Oliveira halts climb to Torre to hug Pepe

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Portal dos Dragões

·10 August 2026

Rui Oliveira halts climb to Torre to hug Pepe

During the climb to the Torre da Serra da Estrela, in Covilhã, Rui Oliveira, of UAE Emirates, stopped to greet Pepe. The former defender, 43, took up cycling after bringing his football career to an end and has shared several moments with prominent Portuguese cyclists. On Sunday, it was Pepe's turn to return the gesture, embracing Rui Oliveira and leaving him a message of encouragement.

Rui Oliveira started in the yellow jersey, but ended up surrendering it to Frenchman Alexis Guerin, of Anicolor. The new leader has a 1:26 advantage over Russian rider Artem Nych, also of Anicolor and the two-time defending champion. The Portuguese rider meanwhile dropped to 52nd place, nearly 18 minutes behind the yellow jersey.