Cycling: The fifth stage of the Volta ao Algarve gave us a race that will certainly be one of the most interesting of the year. After numerous thwarted attacks, a breakaway group of 31 men broke free, who were allowed to decide the victory among themselves. Also there was overall second Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky), who drove ahead of everyone on the final climb and secured overall victory. The Austrian Felix Großschartner (Bora-hansgrohe) finished the Volta ao Algarve in ninth place, the German Maximilian Schachmann (Quick-Step Floors) even in seventh place.
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Showdown at Alto do Malhão
The Volta ao Algarve was completed today with the 173,5 km long and very bumpy stage from Faro to Loulé. On the way there were four mountain classifications to cross before the final climb, Alto do Malhão. The Alto do Malhão has already been the destination of a section of the Volta ao Algarve ten times. record winner Alberto counter won here three times. Last year the Portuguese Amaro Manuel Reposo Antunes triumphed, but he did not compete in 2018. Even though the mountain is only 2,5 kilometers long, its average gradient of 9,9 percent has always made for interesting races in the past. But after his time trial victory on the third stage ging Geraint Thomas (Sky) actually with a reassuring lead into the final stage. He was 19 seconds ahead of his teammate Michael Kwiatkowski, 32 vor Nelson Oliveira (Movistar) and even 52 before Bob jungels (Quick Step Floors).
31 men tear away - Sky remains vigilant
There was definitely a big breakaway group at the Volta ao Algarve today. After several attacks were equalized at the beginning of the stage, 31 men broke away from the peloton. However, Team Sky was not overwhelmed by this, because they sent the overall second place without further ado Michal Kwiatkowski with forward. Also the Swiss Stefan Kung (BMC), the Austrian Lukas Postlberger (Bora-hansgrohe), as well as the Germans Simon Geschke (Sunweb) and Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin) were part of a huge breakaway. After this fell apart for a short time, Lukas Pöstlberger left as a soloist, while the remaining 30 men formed up again. Meanwhile, the peloton was only sporadically led by Team Sky. It was clear that the trump Kwiatkowski must now sting for the British team if you don't want to lose everything after all.
Coronan in cabeza Pöstlberger (BOH) and Stybar (QST) El alto de Vermelhos de 3ª cat. # VAlgarve2018 # VAlgarve18 pic.twitter.com/MGAT6kFVVd
— Alpe d'Huez B&T (@Alpe__dHuez) 18. February 2018
Kwiatkowski storms the Alto do Malhão
The Austrian broke with twelve kilometers to go Lukas Postlberger . Zdenek Stybar (Quick-Step Floors) was able to close the gap and now set off again as a soloist. At first, Zdenek Stybar was able to extend his lead, but as he drove into the final climb, the seconds just tumbled by. Michal Kwiatkowski launched an attack and the group of pursuers fell apart. It wasn't long before the Pole took the lead in the race and was able to drive towards his great triumph as a soloist. With his stage win, Kwiatkowski also grabs the overall and points classification. in the end has Geraint Thomas (Sky) still have to give up their actually sovereign lead, but of course Team Sky only allowed this because they could simply play the second trump card with Kwiatkowski. Ours should be happy too 5towatch-Candidate Felix Grossschartner (Bora-hansgrohe). The Austrian finishes the Volta ao Algarve in ninth place.
# VAlgarve2018 @Kwiato went in the break & nobody stops him in the final climb. Stage & GC for @TeamSky riders. pic.twitter.com/avGHYQc9QW
— Brain on Wheels 🚲 (@BrainOnWheels) 18. February 2018
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