Alexis Guérin loses time in Volta a Portugal as race heads to Gerês

During the 87th Volta a Portugal, race leader Alexis Guérin (Anicolor) faced challenges in the sixth stage from Santa Maria da Feira to Peso da Régua. Spanish rider Xabier Isasa won the stage after a sprint against Rui Oliveira. Guérin lost 23 seconds to teammate Artem Nych and 24 seconds to Tiago Antunes, tightening the general classification.

The upcoming seventh stage will traverse the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Due to environmental protections in the Mata da Albergaria area, the race faces strict regulations, including bans on public crowds in certain sections, limits on support vehicles, and prohibitions on drones and helicopters. The 153-kilometer route includes two first-category climbs and a brief 23-kilometer passage through Spanish territory.

Key contenders for the overall title include Guérin and Nych, though Tiago Antunes and José Neves remain in contention. The race is expected to be decided in the final mountain stages, specifically at the Alto de la Senhora da Graça.