Neo-pro Jarno Widar sees Volta ao Algarve as a 'unique opportunity'

Jarno Widar started his very first season as a pro last Saturday and immediately made a mark with a fourth place in the Figueira Champions Classic (1.Pro). That bodes well for the coming days, as the 20-year-old rider will face off against several top contenders in the Volta ao Algarve.

The new Belgian hope for stage races will be the team leader for his squad Lotto-Intermarché, but what does Widar himself expect from the Portuguese stage race? At the Figueira Champions Classic, the signs were already positive. "I was still lacking some race rhythm," Het Nieuwsblad quotes him.

"The feeling was okay, but I didn’t have any punch yet. Which I did expect. I improve as I get more racing under my belt. The explosiveness will come naturally. In recent days, I’ve scouted both the finish in Foia and that in Malhao," he looks ahead to the upcoming crucial stages in the Algarve. "They suit my capabilities, but have you looked at the start list? I’m still five steps away from that level."

Measuring himself against the top riders
Widar is not getting ahead of himself but is definitely ambitious. "I’m really looking forward to testing myself against all those top riders. It’s a unique opportunity, this early in the season. What do I expect? That I’ll suffer. I’m not at my best level yet, and that’s okay. But I’ve taken a step forward this winter, that’s the feeling I have."

"It’s a dream to be able to compete against these guys for a result," he refers to riders like João Almeida, Juan Ayuso, and Florian Lipowitz. "And you always want the very best, that’s natural. The team has also named me as team leader; I don’t have to sacrifice myself for anyone. So yes, I’m aiming for a result."