Rally Cycling doubles up in Portugal, Denmark as European extraveganza rolls on

Rally Cycling is making the most of its trip to Europe.

Two stage victories Friday have left the American squad with four wins and a second-place in the space of the last seven days in its two-pronged European campaign.

Kyle Murphy blazed to the line solo on the Montalegre summit on stage 8 of the Volta a Portugal on Friday, just an hour after Colin Joyce had unseated the sprinters with his daring breakaway win at the Tour of Denmark.

Also read:

• Colin Joyce scores stage win and surprises sprinters in Denmark
• Ben King wins stage six in Portugal 

Murphy’s victory sealed Rally Cycling’s most successful European stage-race in franchise history after the 29-year-old also won stage 2 of the Portuguese tour and Ben King notched a victory and second-place through the middle of the race.

The Vermont resident Murphy punched out of a 17-strong lead group on the grinding summit in Portugal on Friday to win by a clear 13 seconds, echoing his solo dash to stage 2 victory last week.

“Two is amazing, shocking, I’m over the moon,” he said. “I love racing in Portugal. It’s a gigantic race, the fans are incredible, and there’s good weather.”

Joyce’s victory was a solo sprint made from team collaboration after he and Nickolas Zukowsky had stolen into the day’s early break.

“This one definitely wouldn’t have happened without Zuke,” said the Idahoan racer Joyce. “He was absolutely ripping. I hope he realizes how crucial he was for this one. Break wouldn’t have stuck without his strong pulls near the end.”

Three stage wins and a second place in Portugal along with victory in Denmark sees Rally’s split-squad blazing a trail through Europe.

For now, Murphy’s firstly thinking of a holiday.

“I think it’s time to relax. I’m so tired,” he said. “I just hope we can come back next year with the family to enjoy some food and chase another stage win.”