It was a strong showing by Cannondale-Garmin at Volta a Catalunya today with Dan Martin and Andrew Talansky riding themselves into the elite selection that formed on the last climb/descent of Els Angels in Girona.

Martin sprinted in for the third place while Talansky slotted into seventh after drilling it on the front for Martin on the descent. Heading into the queen stage, Martin sits sixth overall while Talansky rounds out the top ten.

"I was very happy to be on the podium in my adopted home town but of course we would have liked to take home the win. Support was amazing, though, and racing on our training roads definitely gave us that extra inspiration and local knowledge today," Martin said. "With the deeply sad news of the Girona citizens involved in the tragic plane crash yesterday it was a difficult day for the town but we almost brought the victory home for them and we certainly raced in their honor, and the honor of all of the victims and their families and loved ones.

"There are a few more opportunities in this race now, and it was great teamwork with Andrew today. To have two of us still in contention is great for the next stages and especially the queen stage tomorrow."