Time trial specialist Jan Barta finished 13th in his first time trial of the season. The 30-years old Czech uses the Volta ao Algarve as the first race block of the season. Early in the season, Barta is building-up his form.

“Of course, Jan still misses some percent to his top form," Christian Pömer, Sport Director of BORA – ARGON 18, said. "He is starting his first races here and the key goals of the season are still some weeks away. It’s totally allright, if he just barely misses the Top 10 against some of the best time trial riders in the World in this early phase of the season.”

Former World Champion Tony Martin (Etixx – Quick Step) won the fight against the clock over 19 kilometers. He relegated Adriano Malori (Movistar) to second by the small margin of half a second. Yesterday’s stage winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) came in third.

The fourth leg will be the queen stage of the tour. The riders have to race for 218 kilometers. The climbing specialists will fight for the win at the mountaintop finish up the Alto do Malhao.