Winner of the general classification last year in the Tour of the Algarve, Daniel Felipe Martinez (Bora-Hansgrohe) showed his desire to do the double this year. At the end of a mountainous stage between Lagoa and Alto de Foia, the Colombian won in the sprint ahead of the last two winners of the Vuelta, Remco Evenepoel (2022) and Sepp Kuss (2023).
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep) however made his team work all day. The regular ascent of the Alto de Foia was the justice of the stage. But in the rather rolling pass, the selection was made from behind and a few favorites were dropped (Wout Van Aert, Magnus Sheffield, Rui Costa).
Powered by his teammate Mikel Landa, the Belgian champion seemed to be heading towards victory 300 m from the finish line, but Martinez, well placed in the wheel, was able to counter him to take his first victory of the season. He also takes the opportunity to take the leader’s jersey which he will defend on Friday between Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira.
