Written by Finz of NightmareChaos
  
  The first grand tour is about to start this season. Volta ao Porto is one of the biggest tours in the OCM calender. A victory here would mean instant fame and a position at the table with the big boys.
  To start with the favourites we believe a watchful eye should be given to Mitja Škerjanc, KK Fajfa, and Marco Italiano, Cyclocomotiv. Outsider is Natan ?urawski, YCO.
  
   V02maXXers
  
  First to young was Dutch team V02maXXers. They are here presenting themselves with an interesting rider from England. Adrien Gosselin could try and secure a Sprinting Classificiation with the help of Alexander Bellamy
  
   Team WonderDee
  
  Big challenger for the Sprinting Classificiation is Knud Øgendahl from Team WonderDee. Very good in the sprints and with topform this is the real challenger for the green jersey. And that is all Team WonderDee wants at the moment.
  
   Ultras Spirit
  
  The Romanian outfit is trying to secure a Generall Classificiation victory with Ciro Estate. He could we be in topform and if he is he will be able do good in the climbing stages and not loose a lot of time in the timetrials. This rider could secure a top three position.
  
   Wizzyweb
  
  With Sammy Ågren as captain all you want is victory in the flat stages and in the end a nice jersey by winning the Sprinters Classificiation. This rider will be in great shape and has some decent leadouts.
  
   California Mist
  
  The American based team California Mist changes one sunny location for another. Roman Caso should be their man to perform well in the stages and a possible top nine in the General Classificiation.
  
   EpoTopTeam
  
  Dutch team number three took out the caravan and travelled to Portugal with their local peanutbutter and patatoes and this time it is with David Paas. A very skilled

climber that could be noted as a stage winner when the mountains are high.
  
   Borstelharen
  
  Belgian team Borstelharen is here for the experience of riding a grand tour. They do not have the team to perform well and every point is going to be celebrated as a victory. Maybe they can show themselves in a breakaway.
  
   Cyclocomotiv
  
  Marco Italiano should be written down as a rider that could very well win Volta ao Porto. He can climb and will not lose much time when he participates in the sprints. With topform be aware, this rider can move forward.
  
   Velo Kiwi
  
  With Tamati Lima, Danyon Miller has an experienced mentor. And we believe this rider could focus on the Youth Classificiation. He will not be good enough to even try and think about a General Classificiation, but the grey jersey would be nice indeed.
  
   Quick step minded
  
  Jéger László wants to win the sprints and, he wants to win them all. The Sprinting Classificiation is a goal and he could very well win it. The lack of top form might prove a vital failure for this experienced teammanager.
  
   Kremer
  
  Lech Wi?ckowski could win this tour by winning the time trial stages and stay with the best when the mountains are coming. When he can hang on he will win this Volta ao Porto. But we have no faith in the scenario.
  
   Conero cycling team
  
  A stage victory would be more then spectacular. This team is here for the good weather and will probably use the tour as a training camp. The filled in a spot deserving a decent team.
  
   Die Tour Phantome
  
  The American Freddy Beaulieu should bring gold to Die Tour Phantome. His skill are with the timetrial and there we will see this rider shine most likely. A surprise Sprinters Jersey could be

his.
  
   PEKAC B
  
  Czech PEKAC B are relying on Czech champion Bohuslav Racko to win some stages when the finish is on a flat straight and the sprinters are up front. A great rider when it comes to a buncch sprint and even on the more tough stages able to win.
  
   rooney17
  
  Danish rooney17 wants to score some points and a top nine finish in one or two stages is likely. They will not form a real thread to the teams with thoughts of winning the Volta though.
  
   KK Fajfa
  
  Lack of topform will cost this rider the victory in Volta ao Porto. Or is it. Mitja Škerjanc is a great climber and the national champion of Slovenia. He could very well beat everybody on the big stages in the mountains and secure a General Classificiation.
  
   Legia
  
  Sigurd Thomsen wants to give it a serious shot at the Youth Classificiation and if that goes all fine, he might even go for a General Classificiation. His form is more then decent but not in top form. We will see him in the top nine anyway.
  
   Opium Fueled
  
  After his failure in Tweedaagse van Antwerpen, Opium Fueled tries his luck in Portugal. With Melchior Hemery he has a decent rider but he will not get anything out of this tour also. He should focus on one day races.
  
   YCO
  
  Canadian YCO has a Polish captain supported by a Canadian squad. Natan ?urawski is here to do well in the Volta and wants to land a top nine position in the end. If that could be topped with a stage result the trip to Portugal is a success.
  
   Nairobi City Cycling Club
  
  Felipe Maximiliano should be in topform and if he is, he could give it a try. Winning Volta ao Porto. Being Brasilian and the lack of a Portuguese favourite, the home crowed should support him like he is one of their own.