By a fraction of a second, barely two blinks of an eye, Adriano Malori couldn't claim what would have been his second victory of the 2015 season. The Traversetolo-based rider made a prodigious final performance during the 19km ITT to Cabo Sao Vicente, on stage three of the Volta ao Algarve, yet couldn't beat former World champion Tony Martin (EQS) after crossing the line in the same second: 21'51"071 by 21'51"474, after the big specialist from the Movistar Team lost 10" in the first part of the course, into a slight descent and clearly faster.

The ability to distribute their energies well through the course from the lads directed by José Luis Jaimerena was clearly noticeable in the final standings, with no less than four of the Blues into the best 20 of the day. Jonathan Castroviejo was sixth, 26 seconds behind the lead duo; Ion Izagirre - who suffered an ill-timed puncture yesterday -, took 12th; and Marc Soler, remarkable in his second professional time trial - he took bronze in the 2014 National U23 champs - completed the race in 20th spot, just 2" off the pace of Richie Porte (SKY).

Just behind his team-mate (22nd) finished Rubén Fernández, who defended himself well and is now 10th in the GC, 1'38" in arrears. The Murcian will surely look to shine together with his fellow Blues at the Alto do Malhao, in Loulé, where Thomas (SKY) will try to defend his yellow jersey.