The Volta ao Algarve is a preparation race for the classics for the majority of team Team LottoNL-Jumbo. Saturday’s queen stage, with its finish line on the 500 metre-high Alto de Malhão, was too difficult for Maarten Wynants, but still the Belgian had hoped to be in the final to test himself for next week’s opening weekend. Bad luck struck, though.

“Today was tough day,” said Wynants. “I crashed ahead of the first climb. I was back in the bunch when we started the climb, but because of a number of attacks, I was dropped.

“It was unfortunate that I could not ride the final, but this race is good for my form, which will come in handy next weekend.”
 

Richie Porte (Sky) won the stage. Sports Director Nico Verhoeven knew there was little to win for his riders.

“Sep Vanmarcke managed to get in a break in the final. He seemed strong, but the attack came too early and getting a result wasn’t possible as the finish line was on a climb. Most of our guys had a good day, though, and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”
 

The riders will cover a 183-kilometre stage on Sunday, starting in Almodôvar and finishing Vilamoura.

“Tomorrow’s ride will probably end in a bunch sprint,” Verhoeven said. “We have Tom Van Asbroeck, Paul Martens, Robert Wagner and Sep, fast men who can get in the mix. Besides that, we have some strong guys who can properly support them.”