Estoril Open 2007 News and Events

Helder Rodriguez, Fernando Gonzalez, Ruben Faria
© João Lagos Sports

ATP World No. 5 Fernando Gonzalez visited the Sport Lisboa Benfica cycling team on Monday, a rest day before his first round match at the Estoril Open.

The Chilean, who reached the Australian Open final in January (l. to Federer), set off from the official players hotel in a brand new Mercedes-Benz C-Class car and travelled along the coast of Estoril.

Upon arriving he was welcomed by the Benfica team, including Jose Azevedo – the Tour de France cyclist and former team-mate of Lance Armstrong.

Rally Dakar driver Carlos Sousa, Rally Dakar motorcyclists Rodrigues Helder and Ruben Faria as well as other professional cyclists also greeted Gonzalez.

In the Mercedes-Benz team truck Fernando Gonzalez got dressed up with the official dress of the cycling team, before setting off for an hour-long ride.

The team took the chance to cycle along the coast of Guincho with its famous beaches for surfing.

Gonzalez was impressed by how lightweight the professional bike was and controlled it well in windy conditions.

He will meet Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu, who captured the Casablanca title last week, in the first round on Tuesday.