Efapel tried to put race leader Gustavo Veloso and his dominant W52 team under pressure in the Volta a Portugal queen stage when team captain Joni Brandao attacked far from the finish. He was caught less than 300m from the line and had to settle for third on the stage and in the overall classification.

"We were always part of the action and were part of the attacks from the start. We had to attack from afar if we wanted to make a difference. I attacked but could reach the top alone I have to congratulate W52 who worked to catch me and have a great team," said Brandão.

"What we did was what we had to do," sports director Americo Silva said. "We were the most combative team in an attempt to change the general classification. On the last climb, we again tried early with Jóni who did a big climb. I think we could have achieved our goal, but we found W52 team that is very strong and managed to control the race. Regardless of what happened, we will not give up."