Geraint Thomas second behind Luis Leon Sanchez on Volta ao Algarve stage two
Welshman Geraint Thomas puts in solid ride on tough summit finale of stage two of the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Geraint Thomas (Sky) put in a strong ride to finish second behind stage winner Luis Leon Sanchez on the mountain-top finish of Volta ao Algarve stage two in Portugal on Thursday.
Defending champion Thomas now sits in second place overall behind Spaniard Sanchez.
The day started with seven riders forming at escape group, but they were never really given a free hand to forge a significant gap and the race was back together with 40km to go.
Dries Devenyns (IAM Cycling) put in an attack soon after, but was reeled back in as the terrain became more mountainous.
It was then the turn of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) to show himself, as the Spanish Grand Tour champion crested the second category Pomba climb out front. Behind, the peloton was breaking apart.
As the lead group hit the final climb of Alto de Fóia, Zdenek Stybar (Etixx-QuickStep), Diego Rosa (Astana), Nelson Oliveira (Movistar) and Robert Gesink (LottoNL-Jumbo) went clear and ground out a small advantage, but were caught within the final 2km and passed by a chase group that included Sanchez and Thomas.
Thomas opened up a sprint for the line first, but was caught by Sanchez, who claimed the victory and overall race lead.
One high-profile non-finisher was Joaquim Rodriguez (Katsuha), who withdrew from the stage with an illness.
The UCI 2.1-ranked Volta ao Algarve continues on Friday with stage three, a flat 18-kilometre individual time trial that should see the general classification riders and TT specialists out to make their mark.
Along with Thomas, watch out for British time trial champion Alex Dowsett (Movistar), who is sure to try and create an impression over a distance that should suit him well. However, the man to beat will be Tony Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) who looms in 12th place overall, just 25 seconds adrift of Sanchez and 20 seconds behind Thomas.
The five-day race concludes on Sunday, February 21.
Results
Volta ao Algarve 2016, stage two: Lagoa to Alto da Fóia, 198.6km
1. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spa) Astana
2. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky at 1 sec
3. Primoz Roglic (Slo) LottoNL-Jumbo at 3 secs
4. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Movistar at 3 secs
5. Tiago Machado (Por) Katusha at 5 secs
6. Thibaut Pinot (Fra) FDJ at 6 secs
7. Manuel Amaro (Por) LA Aluminios-Antarte at 9 secs
8. Hector Saez (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at 13 secs
9. Tiesj Benoot (Bel) Lotto-Soudal at 14 secs
10. Fabio Aru (Ita) Astana at 15 secs
General classification after stage two
1. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spa) Astana
2. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky at 5 secs
3. Primoz Roglic (Slo) LottoNL-Jumbo at 9 secs
4. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Movistar at 13 secs
5. Tiago Machado (Por) Katusha at 15 secs
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Strength in numbers: How Jumbo-Visma and SD Worx have bossed the run-up to Tour of Flanders
The Dutch super-teams are dominating the Classics, making it look easy. With so many options, can they be stopped?
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tailfin Top Tube Pack review - the all new range has been a resounding success
if you're fussy about details, this could one for you
By Stefan Abram • Published
-
Maindy Flyers CC say moving Cardiff velodrome risks them missing the next Geraint Thomas
Earlier this week, historic Welsh club where Geraint Thomas, Owain Doull and Elinor Barker started out released open letter detailing their opposition to relocation
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
CW LIVE: Wout van Aert and Shirin van Anrooij win cyclo-cross in Koksijde; Rapha unveil EF Education kits; Police search for two suspects in Mark Cavendish robbery; Paris-Nice route announced; Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas to ride Tour Down Under
All the latest in the world of cycling
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Tweets of the week: Ineos Grenadiers' three wise men, team jersey déjà vu and World Cup celebrations by bike
Here's our social media round-up, featuring a cycling all-star nativity
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Geraint Thomas: 'I'm the best footballer at Ineos Grenadiers'
The Welsh cyclist shares his views on the World Cup, Arsenal's title chances and his own football skills
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Geraint Thomas announces he will race in 2022 Commonwealth Games
The Welshman took to Twitter to reveal he will return to the event after failing to defend his road race title in 2018
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Tom Pidcock and Geraint Thomas to make season debuts at Volta ao Algarve
David Gaudu, Remco Evenepoel and Tobias Foss will also race in Portugal from tomorrow
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Geraint Thomas signs new contract with Ineos Grenadiers
Welshman will remain at the team he has been with since its inaugural year of 2010, until 2023
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Geraint Thomas has bike stolen during training ride, later recovered by police
The Welshman had stopped at a cafe on the French Riviera when his bike was nicked
By Jonny Long • Published