Paul Martens wins opening stage and takes leader’s jersey in the Volta ao Algarve.

He countered an attack of Tiago Machado (RadioShack Leopard), who attacked one km from the finish line. Both riders stayed clear from the chasing bunch in the last 500 meters descent. The peloton sprint was dominated by Theo Bos (Blanco), who came third.

"We came to Portugal for a stage win," explains directeur sportif, Frans Maassen. "We are here to perform as a team, and it's great to start with an early victory. The first twenty kilometers were hard on the guys. Until the last kilometers everybody could stay in the front of the bunch to work for Theo Bos.”

"I am not a guy who wins a lot of races," says Paul Martens with a big smile, still enjoying the moment. "We have done great as a team. I was in front of the bunch when Machado jumped. Tom Leezer, with Theo Bos on his wheel, was behind me to leave the gap. I knew the final 500 meters were all downhill, so I kept his wheel for my final jump.”

Theo Bos also gave his version of events after the stage. "Omega Pharma-Quick Step controlled the race today. We knew that we had to stay in the front the last 10 km. After the jump from Paul, Tom's effort to keep me in position was great. It's awesome to complete the podium with a 3rd place next to my teammate Martens."