The Belkin Pro Cycling Team time trialed its way to the top ten of Volta ao Algarve stage three today in Portugal. Rick Flens placed seventh and Wilco Kelderman ninth on the 13-kilometre parcours. The race against the clock was won by race leader Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quick Step). 

“I’m very pleased with this result,” Flens said. “Especially when I see the names around me in the top ten. Because of the time trail’s short length, it was a matter of just giving everything. I’m glad I was able to hold my pace.” 

Flens said that the first part of the parcours was straight.

"When the twisting part started everybody was already exhausted and so the explosive men couldn't really benefit." 

Kelderman sneaked into the top thanks to his ninth place. The youngster is now sixth overall with two stages left to race.

"I'm very satisfied", Kelderman said. "It was my first time trial of the year and it went very well. I felt fine on my Bianchi bike."

Kelderman hopes to maintain his sixth place. He explained that he will have to remain focused tomorrow in order to do so. 

"Tomorrow's finish is on a fairly steep three-kilometre climb. Today went well, and I hope tomorrow will be more of the same. I want to stay in touch with the top riders."