Sky Procycling team dominates Portuguese stage race
After a 2011 spent riding largely in the service of Alberto Contador, Richie Porte underlined his ability to lead teams when he triumphed today in the Volta ao Algarve. The Sky Procycling rider had started the day twelve seconds clear of closest rivals Rui Costa (Movistar Team) and Tiago Machado (RadioShack-Nissan), whom he out-climbed on Friday’s stage to the top of the Alto do Malhão, and extended his lead in the time trial.
Porte placed third in the 25.8 individual race from Lagoa to Portimão, extending his lead over Costa by a further 46 seconds and adding 50 more to his advantage over Machado.
Team-mate Bradley Wiggins aced the test, covering the distance in 32 minutes 48 seconds and beating world time trial champion Tony Martin (Omega Pharma – Quick Step) by fractions. Together with Edvald Boasson Hagen’s sprint win into Lagoa on Thursday and Porte’s win the following day, the result meant that Sky Procycling took three out of the five stages plus the overall classification.
“I knew I had good form and I raced here as preparation for Paris-Nice,” said a delighted Porte. “So to come away with the stage win and the overall I’m really happy. Of course to win the mountain-top finish on the third stage was great.
“I thought I had good enough form to do a good time trial and I was able to finish it off. It’s a nice way to start my time with a new team.”
Wiggins’ effort is his first win of the year and moved him from twelfth overall to third, 44 seconds behind Porte and seven behind Martin, the 2011 race winner.
His win is a revenge of sorts for last year’s world championships, where Martin got the upper hand.
“You couldn’t have asked for more, to be honest,” said directeur sportif Sean Yates. “We’ve dominated the race. The boys rode fantastic and it is a massive display from the team. It is only early in the season but we’ve beaten some really strong riders here.
“The plan coming into the race was to build on our form. But our form was so good here anyway with the quality athletes we have we thought we might as well go for the win!
Wiggins finished third overall in the Vuelta a España last year and believes he will have the condition to target victory in the Tour de France. Porte, meanwhile, has provided further evidence that he could also challenge in the same race in the years to come.