Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida) took his third runner-up spot in the Volta ao Algarve when he was beaten by Alberto Contador in today's queen stage of the Portuguese race. Having expected Michal Kwiatkowski to be the strongest, the world champion did a mistake not to react to Contador's attack.

Rui Costa may start believing in the curse of the rainbow jersey after finishing 2nd in today's queen stage of the Volta ao Algarve. This was his third runner-up spot in four days of racing in the Portuguese event but again he missed the final little extra to take the win.

This was the case on today's Alto do Malhao when he failed to respond to the final of Alberto Contador's repeated accelerations. Having got dropped and passed a fading race leader Michal Kwiatkowski, he managed to get closer to the leading Spaniard but ran out of metres, finishing 3 seconds behind the stage winner.

Costa admitted that he made a mistake on the climb, believing that Kwiatkowski was the strongest riders in the race.

"The final climb was very intense," he said. "Contador, Kwiatkowski and I have put up a good fight. I guess than cycling enthusiasts have had a blast. When they started attacking, I always tried to use my head more than my legs, studying the situation before I responded too quickly.

"When Contador attacked on the final climb, I saw that Kwiatkowski tried to react. I sat on his wheel but Michal was unable to respond and then I had to pass him, losing a precious moment where I could have rejoined Contador. I didn't expect Kwiatkowski to get dropped. I had seen him ride really well.

"The balance of the Volta ao Algarve and today is still more than good. The sensations improve day by day."

Lampre-Merida had another rider near the front as Vuelta champion Chris Horner finished 6th after having worked hard for Costa. The American is pleased with his progress after only signing his contract a few weeks ago.

"These are my first few races but I can already see that I handle the race pace well, even on intense climbs like today's," he said. "I tried to ride in support of Rui. I am sorry that he missed so little to win. I took a nice 6th place, considering that I didn't bother sprinting for fourth place."

Costa is now third overall while Horner is 8th. The race ends with a flat stage tomorrow where the team will try to take another win with stage 1 winner Sacha Modolo.

You can read our preview of the race here.