Astana tried to set Valerio Agnoli up for the sprint in stage 1 of the Volta ao Algarve but the team was unable to move up in the hectic finale.

"It was a nervous stage, the group broke at 2 km to go and we were at the back," Michele Scarponi said after the opening stage of the Vuelta ao Algarve.

Scarponi and his teammate Leon Sanchez worked hard to bring Valerio Agnoli in the best position for the sprint, but a roundabout ruined all the job.

Today's race saw a long 4 riders breakaway before the sprinters' team began to claw back their advantage. The stage was won by the Belgian Gianni Meersman, who is also the first leader of the general classification.