After having twice finished 2nd in the Volta ao Algarve, Rui Costa struggled a bit more in today's time trial. A 12th place finish saw him drop to 3rd and he admits that it will be very hard to take the overall win away from stage winner Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quick Step)

Rui Costa (who wore the Portuguese TT national champions jersey) gave value to his bike, despite a course that was more favourable to his opponents, recording the 12th fastest timing: he covered the course in 14'37" (average speed 55,827 km/h), 34" more than Kwiatkowski, who obtained the victory.

Lampre's captain will face the 4th stage, very suitable for his characteristics (summit arrival on Alto do Malhao), standing in the 3rd place of the overall classification, at 38" to Kwiatkowski and at 6" to Contador.

"As the very high average speeds confirm, the time trial was very suitable for the roulers - Rui Costa explained - The first part of the course was in descent, then it was important to keep a very high pace to get a result.

"I am satisfied with my performance. Maybe, I could not make a progression in the final part, but in this moment of the season is not so simple to work on this details. I'm sure I'm going to improve in my next time trials. I'm very happy for the feelings with the Merida Warp TT: during the trainings, I had good feedback, that today were fully confirmed."

Tomorrow Costa faces the race's queen stage to Alto do Malhao where he finished 2nd in 2013. However, he admits that it will be very hard to take the overall win.

"Kwiatkowski was outstanding," he said. " It was a great performance and with his condition, he is the number of favourite for tomorrow. However, I will try to be a protagonist.

There were two other Lampre riders within a minute of the TT winner: Nelson Oliveira (24th at 52") and Chris Horner (35th at 57").