Professional cyclists make history by voting before taking to the stage.

Several professional cyclists from the Portuguese peloton participating in the national calendar race Grande Prémio Douro Internacional took advantage of the mobility vote and exercised their right in the European elections before the start of the race. .

Athletes gathered a little early at the start of the third stage of the race, in Tabuaçu, Viseu district, many of them already dressed for competition, put down their bikes and spent just a few minutes voting, showing their satisfaction with the opportunity.

“There are three Portuguese in the team, and we arrived earlier, in a separate van, to exercise our right. Voting outside of our area for the first time is something very positive. If there was no such opportunity, it would be impossible for us to take part in this vote,” said Joao Matias, 31, who competes in the Tawfer-Ovos Matinados-Mortagua competition.

This opportunity was also appreciated by Pedro Castro Pinto, a young Efapel runner who lives in Guimarães, Braga district, more than 130 kilometers from Tabuazú, where he had to carry out his professional activities this Sunday.

“This flexibility of voting in a country different from the one we live in is excellent. I hope this stays forever. This helps us exercise our freedom to vote. It’s really positive,” he said.

Joaquim Silva, an Efapel teammate, believes the initiative, supported by the Grande Prémio Douro Internacional, serves as “an example for society.”

“If we competitive cyclists can take a few minutes to vote, a lot of people can too. Despite the fact that I do not follow politics deeply, I always try to exercise this right. Those who do not do this have few arguments left to criticize political decisions,” he added.

Rui Carvalho, a cyclist from the GI Group-Simoldes-UDO, supported the idea of ​​his professional companion: “Voting is the best way to show your voice. If we want change, we have to vote.”

This moment also made history in Portuguese cycling, as never before had athletes participating in a race had equal opportunities to vote on the same day.

“Nothing has changed in our daily routine, because we always arrive earlier to the start of the stages. We are happy to exercise our right. Cycling sets a good example, and today it has also entered the history of our sport,” said Hernan Broco, Sports Director. car Credibom-LA Aluminios-Marcos, which accompanied the athletes on the way to the voting place.