Volta ao Algarve - st. 1

The Portuguese rider from Movistar Team, 7th into the sprint, searched for the win in the opening stage with a strong attack into the final kilometer. Belgian Meersman takes win, first lead

Rui Costa showed from the very first moments of the race in his homeland Portugal how he wants to shine in Movistar Team’s first outing in the country. The Póvoa-based rider fought for the win into the opening stages of the Volta ao Algarve, 151 kilometers from Almancil to Albufeira, with a strong attack into the final slope of the stage at the last kilometer. Costa’s attempt did not each far, but served to get him a 7th spot just few meters the winner and first leader, Belgian Gianni Meersman (LBL).

The stage did not have much history though, except for the long break by Chérel (ALM), Kroon (SAX), Mestre (PRT), Vandousselaere (TSV) and Sousa (EFG), the first three reached just 10k before the finish. The second stage will be ridden tomorrow on the eve of Friday’s Queen stage: 157k from Faro to Lagoa with no major complications.