It was a good result for Portuguese rider Tiago Machado, taking third in the overall classification and coming away from the race with solid form as well as Best Portuguese rider.

"I am really satisfied with my result. The podium in GC says I am on the right path in my preparation for my next races. I managed to get in good condition and I hope it will continue to develop in the next races. I am happy with our team - we were strong and we only missed a stage victory here. It was very nice to see our team united and motivated in every stage. It was a good week here in Portugal. My next aim is Paris - Nice and I hope to earn some more results there," said Tiago Machado.

"Algarve saw me grow as a rider. I always try to give the maximum here and one day I will win the Algarve to thank for all the support they have given me. On the road, the opponents were stronger than me."

Joining Machado on the podium in first and second places were race winner Geraint Thomas (Sky) and runner-up World Champion Michal Kwiatkowski of Etixx – Quick Step. Sergei Chernetckii and Alberto Losada maintained their 7th and 8th positions, giving Team Katusha three riders in the top ten on the general classification to earn best teams classification of the Volta ao Algarve.

"Today our main purpose was to save the podium place of Tiago, and we did it perfectly. I am happy with him and the entire team. I think we did a very strong race here in Algarve - Tiago is on the podium, plus Sergei and Alberto are in the top-10 too. In addition we won the teams classification. I think the team showed its power and proved we are ready for the main races of the season. Also today we wanted to help Alex Porsev in the sprint and we worked well for him. With 2 km to go Alex, supported by Rudi Selig, was in good position, but he lost some places and it was hard to get position back. So Rudi did his own sprint. He also was a little bit boxed in, but was able to finish on the podium in 3rd," said head sports director of Team Katusha José Azevedo.

The final stage began in Almodôvar and ended in Vilamoura after 184,3 km. Predicted to be a group sprint, Team Katusha worked for Porsev. When Porsev lost position Selig went ahead with a sprint from the front and took third place behind winner André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) and Tom Van Asbroeck from Team Lotto NL-Jumbo. Aleksandr Porsev held on for 8th place.