Geraint Thomas retains Tour of the Algarve lead as Richie Porte wins stage
Welshman Geraint Thomas looks good for overall victory in the 2015 Volta ao Algarve, which concludes on Sunday
Team Sky had a great day at the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal on Saturday, with Richie Porte winning the tough, hilly stage four and Geraint Thomas maintaining his overall race lead.
Porte hit the finish line on the Alto do Malhão to take a solo win three seconds ahead of last year's overall winner and current world champion Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-QuickStep), with Ion Izagirre (Movistar) six seconds back.
It's Porte's third win of the season so far, after the Australian time trial title and the queen stage of the Tour Down Under in January.
Crucially, Thomas managed to limit his losses against key rival Kwiatkowski, coming in fourth and just nine seconds behind Porte.
Geraint Thomas's greatest hits... and misses
Thomas has a comfortable buffer of 27 seconds in the general classification over second-placed Kwiatkowski going into Sunday's relatively flat final stage, which is predicted to end in a bunch sprint.
Home favourite Tiago Machado (Katusha) lies in third place overall at one minute and 11 seconds. Porte's stage win moves him up to fourth overall.
With Chris Froome taking the stage win and overall lead in the concurrently running Ruta de Sol in Spain, it sets up the distinct possibility on Sunday of two British Sky riders winning key early-season races.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Results
Volta ao Algarve 2015, stage four: Tavira to Malhão, 216km
1. Richie Porte (Aus) Sky
2. Michal Kwiatkowski (Pol) Etixx-QuickStep at 3 secs
3. Ion Izagirre (Spa) Movistar at 6 secs
4. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky at 9 secs
5. Michael Woods (Can) Optum at 13 secs
Overall classification after stage four
1. Geraint Thomas (GBr) Sky
2. Michal Kwiatkowski (Pol) Etixx-QuickStep at 27 secs
3. Tiago Machado (Por) Katusha at 1-11
4. Richie Porte (Aus) Sky at 1-14
5. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spa) Astana at 1-18
Thank you for reading 20 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, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
I’m having to tell people I’m still a cyclist despite the fact it’s not cool anymore
Bragging rights now belong to the paddleboarders
By Michael Hutchinson Published
-
Canyon Grail CF SL 7 AXS review: a gravel bike of two halves?
The integrated cockpit and aero tubing are somewhat at odds with the Grail's taller stack height
By Rachel Sokal Published
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departure
Olympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published