How did your passion for cycling come about?
AA: It comes from the family because I have many close family members who were connected to cycling.

During the past year, many races are canceled and it means long periods without competitions due to the pandemic situation. What type of strategies have you used to motivate yourself for training?
AA: it’s very difficult to maintain focus and manage the uncertainty of the calendar. But my body calls for training and when you are professional your mind is ready for the competition, so you must overcome these obstacles and be focused on achievements.

This long stop period have changed your training plan?
AA: Yes, absolutely. There was a huge change, especially because we used to race the Portugal Tour in August and, in 2020, due to the pandemic situation the calendar had to be restructured, which led to a change in the training plan.

Won the Portugal Tour was obviously a dream come true. What other dreams/goals do you have in mind for the future?
AA: For me, it was a dream come true, obviously! Regarding the future, I have a lot of dreams and accomplishments to achieve, but always with the focus on being helpful for my team.

In your opinion, what are the secret to the W52 FC Porto’s hegemony in Portuguese cycling?
AA: I think that the true secret is the fact that we are a united team, always working with a common goal.

In the past, you were part of a World-Tour team. Which differences did you felt compared to the teams of inferior levels?
AA:The main difference is, without doubts, the economical strength of those teams, who allows them to obtain very expensive tools and work methods, which are not accessible to low-budget teams.

The choice of bike and components is fundamental for the athlete’s performance. In your opinion, how important are the wheels?
AA: I think that wheels are crucial for the final result. High performance and quality wheels could make a huge difference in the mountain, which is my speciality.

Regarding Blackjack wheels, how do you evaluate their performance? Which features do you value most?
AA: In my opinion Blackjack Wheels are top quality wheels. The lower profile offers the maximum hardness and performance in steep and winding descents, as well as long and hard mountains.

What’s your favorite Blackjack model?
AA: Blackjack C35.

You founded the “Clube de Ciclismo Amaro Antunes”. How did the idea come about and what are the goals?
AA: It is a club aimed at training young athletes that appeared in 2017. The main objective is to give an opportunity to all those young people to enter cycling, helping them grow not only as athletes but also as citizens.

CURIOSITIES
Hobbies: socializing with friends and family
Favourite meal: Spaghetti with seafood
Indispensable subject: Mobile phone
Childhood idol: Cristiano Ronaldo

PROFILE
Name: Amaro Antunes
Team: W52 FC Porto
Age: 30 years old
Place of birth: Vila Real de Santo António (Algarve)