Circulate two twins in the peloton and this time we're not talking about the Yates, we're going to the heart of the race of UAE Team Emirates to meet the Oliveira brothers, Rui and Ivothe Portuguese pearls that have emerged from the track and shine with their ability to ride.
"Cycling is my passion, it has always been my passion and if I'm honest I can't see myself doing anything else." Ivo begins by admitting.
“I fell in love with cycling very young. It is blood, sweat and tears, the most beautiful sport in the world, but also one of the hardest, which pushes you to the limit every day. Riding a bike in so many places is priceless," says Rui.
Both are aware that there are other brothers in the World Tour peloton, but not so many twins: "There are many brothers in cycling," continues Ivo, "but only a couple of twins.
In Portugal we have the Gonçalves brothers, they're very good and when you're with them, it's difficult to tell who's who.
Roots in track cycling
The sweet moment that Portugal is experiencing in track cycling has a lot to do with this pair of phenomena riding in the velodrome.. In addition, the two have managed to successfully combine track and road. "The track gave me certain results in Europeans and World Championships that opened the door to better U23 teams on the road," suggests Rui.
In this respect, Ivo is clear the benefits of the cantThe velodrome gives you technique and skill in the handling of the bike, especially when you're in the peloton, where you always have to be concentrated. It also gives you race reading, you detect situations better and faster than others. It helps you make better decisions. Also training on the track complements very well with the road, it gives you speed and strength combined with the background of the road."
And in that endeavor has come the takeoff of Portugal in major international competitions: "Portugal has improved a lot on the track. The main architect is Gabriel, the national coach. Let's think that ten years ago, track cycling did not exist in Portugal. and now we have more than fifty medals between world and European championships. We can do a lot with little money and we have shown that we are capable of getting good results with everything we are given. The cyclists are growing and standing out among the best in the world".
Objectives on the road
Back on the road, Rui admits that "I was very excited to finish a race as hard as the Vuelta. My family was at the finish and it was nice. Let's not forget that last year with Covid we couldn't have anyone waiting for us, so it was emotional to see them after weeks of competition." In the choral performance of the UAE Team Emirates in the Vuelta, Rui Oliveira was very high up in Monforte de Lemos, but that day the bogeyman Cort Nielsen, winner of three stages, did not forgive.
On favorite races, Ivo points out the Tirreno "that we won with Tadej. I didn't know it and I want to return to it. For Rui, the jewel in the crown is the Tour of Flanders.although an achievement top would be "to win a stage in a grand tour". Ivo, for his part, is going to a World Tour classic as a great illusion.
Both admit to being on a cloud in the team they compete in: "I'd like to win a stage in the Grand Tour.To race in the UAE Team Emirates is a great honor. You wake up every day feeling lucky to be in a team like this, with these riders and with this staff. I enjoy it like the first day," says Rui. "What more could we ask for?" adds Ivo.
They both met Gobik at the UAE Team Emirates and both point to it as the best brand they have ever worn.
“The clothes fit perfect and are comfortable. If I have to recommend a garment, the Absolute culotte, it is very good."says Rui from Gobik.
"They have great quality fabrics for rain and cold. For hot days the garments are comfortable and light," describes Rui.
Enjoyment off the bike
Their hobbies, although complementary, are somewhat different.
According to Rui, "cycling already keeps me away from home for many days, so many that when I have free time I want to be at home, with friends and family.I want to enjoy food, go to the beach and play PlayStation®".
Ivo is more into traveling, "getting to know new places around the world. At home I spend hours playing Call of Duty".
Both of them are already looking forward to their fourth season in the UAE Team Emirates, being part of the powerful train of a team that for next year has been reinforced for the arrivals.
