14-Mar-2026: The Brazilian climber won the queen stage of the Turkish race ahead of teammate Said Cisneros and became the new leader of the general classification
Henrique Bravo powered to his second victory in the space of just two weeks, on the penultimate day of the Tour of Antalya, which finished at nearly 2000 meters above sea level, after a leg-sapping 30km climb.
Soudal Quick-Step set the pace right from the start on this relentless ascent, pushing a steady tempo with Hodei Muñoz and Marc Zafra, who made an important selection before Matthijs De Clercq and Gauthier Servranckx took over, further reducing the leading group. With seven kilometers to go, Henrique rose from his saddle and attacked boldly and decisively, a powerful surge that immediately helped him put some daylight between him and the others.
His margin over the chasers grew rapidly – also with some help from Said Cisneros, who made sure of closing down all the attacks that came from that group – and soon it became clear that nothing would stop the 19-year-old South American from racking up another win after the one he took on the penultimate stage of the Tour du Rwanda. Henrique arrived alone at the finish in Saklikent and celebrated with a wheelie as he donned the leader’s jersey, but also the one rewarding the best young rider of the competition.
It turned out to be a perfect day for our feeder squad, after Said finished runner-up and took the KOM jersey, 18 seconds down on the Brazilian, while Gauthier came over the line in fifth position – all results that put Soudal Quick-Step Devo at the top of the team classification ahead of Sunday’s flat stage to Antalya.
“We knew today was going to be the decisive stage of the week and we controlled things straight from the start of this long ascent, which suited me. Around seven kilometers from the finish, I found the right moment to attack and gave it my best, keeping the pace until the line. I’m really happy with this win and with having the leader’s jersey. It’s a nice way for me to repay the guys for their incredible job. On Sunday we’ll try to defend our GC and bring the overall victory home”, Henrique said after the podium ceremony.
