Dan Martin lost the yellow jersey, but continues to lead the points and mountain classification.
A regular fixture in Volta ao Algarve, the individual time trial was again expected to play a major role in the final outcome of this year's edition and give the specialists a chance to claw back time after Thursday's difficult mountain stage. The stage starting and concluding in Sagres was only 18km-long, but very challenging, having several up-and-down sectors, technical corners and cobble stretches.
Last rider to hit the course was yellow jersey Dan Martin, who was leading the race after taking the victory on the race's first summit, Alto da Foia. With many strong time trialists in the top 10 overall, the Irishman was aware his chances of keeping yellow were slim, especially as the gaps in the general classification weren't too big. After putting in a solid effort in the ITT won by Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar), Dan came home in 23:04 and moved down to 6th in the standings, with two stages left.
"I knew the time trial wasn't my cup of tea and had really tired legs after yesterday's stage, so losing the yellow jersey doesn't come as a surprise. I was expecting maybe a better performance, but it was tough today and Alto da Foia took a lot out of me. Another thing we have to keep in mind is that it's still early in the season. But the race isn't over yet, there are two days left, one for the sprinters and one for the climbers, and we'll try to do our best in both", said Dan Martin, who is still in possession of the red and blue jerseys, thanks to his stage victory.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
