In an amazing show of support, hundreds of bikers joined Miguel Oliveira as he made his way from his hometown of Almada near Lisbon yesterday down to the Algarve where the Portuguese rider will compete in the MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal this weekend.
It was also a momentous occasion for Oliveira due to the fact that the 26-year-old has finally obtained his motorbike licence – despite making a living off of his high-speed biking talents.
The journey began at around 1pm and ended in Portimão at around 5.20pm, where hundreds of other fans were waiting to show Oliveira their support.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider said that the “amazing journey and reception” have provided him with added motivation.
“It is an amazing, gratifying and motivating sign of support to do the best I can, which is win the race, as it is always special to compete in Portugal,” said Oliveira, who earned a suprise victory in 2020 at the Algarve International Racetrack.
“My mind is set on winning because with this support during our arrival in Portimão and with the stands filled with fans, we will really win,” he added.
Franco Martins, one of the bikers who escorted Oliveira from Almade to the Algarve, said that the goal was to “show the support of the Portuguese people to Miguel.
“It is a way of motivating (him) and thanking him for everything he has done,” he told Lusa news agency.
The bike ride was coordinated by GNR police’s national traffic unit (UNT) and involved 10 officers.
“The ride went as expected, without any incidents and within what is normal,” lieutenant Miguel Araújo told Lusa.
