The country of Cabo Verde is set to participate in the 2026 Volta a Angola, a prestigious cycling competition that will take place from October 9th to 18th. The Cabo Verdean delegation, consisting of eight cyclists, departed recently and is expected to arrive in Luanda on October 6th, with a layover in Lisbon. This will be the country's third participation in the event, following an invitation from the Angolan Cycling Federation.
The selection of cyclists was based on their performance in national competitions, including the country's champions and vice-champions. The team is comprised of Nadir Lopes, Gilberto Dias, Rubem Lopes from Santo Antão, Nélio da Cruz, Mikloa Mota, and Klismam Davide from São Vicente, Elizer Soares from the island of Sal, and Leandro Brito, who is currently residing in Venice, Italy. The team is led by chef de mission Idelfrides Soares and national selector Ana Rita Vigário.
According to Manuel Gomes, President of the Cabo Verdean Cycling Federation (FCC), the country's cycling scene is experiencing significant growth and development. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, stating that the country is improving annually. The FCC's primary objective for the competition is for the athletes to perform well and make the national flag proud.
The 2026 Volta a Angola is expected to be a challenging competition, with stages covering over 150 kilometers per day. The event will bring together participants from various African and European countries. Manuel Gomes expressed his expectations for the competition, stating that a top 10 finish or even winning a stage would be a remarkable achievement.
The Cabo Verdean team is eager to make a good impression and show that they can compete at a high level. The country's participation in the event is seen as an opportunity to promote the sport and increase visibility for Cabo Verdean cyclists. The competition will provide a platform for the athletes to test their skills against top cyclists from around the world.
The Volta a Angola is a significant event in the African cycling calendar, and Cabo Verde's participation is a testament to the country's growing presence in the sport. The competition will be a valuable experience for the Cabo Verdean team, allowing them to gain exposure and learn from more experienced riders.
The 2026 Volta a Angola is set to be an exciting competition, with top cyclists from around the world vying for the top spot. Cabo Verde's participation in the event is a positive step for the country's cycling scene, and fans will be eagerly following the team's progress in the competition.
Key points
- Cabo Verde to participate in 2026 Volta a Angola with eight cyclists
- The country's cycling scene is experiencing significant growth and development
- The team's primary objective is to perform well and make the national flag proud
