When Vasil Kiryienka (Team Sky) attacked on the early slopes of the climb to the finish Dan Martin (UAE Team Emirates) was the first to go after him.
Video highlights Volta ao Algarve stage 2
There's nothing quite like seeing the European pro bunch in full flight early in the season.
Yesterday's stage 2 of the Volta ao Algarve served up an exciting summit finish finale. The riders had a 15km climb up to Fóia-Monchique to contend with.
It didn't disappointment, with some great racing unfolding. Unfortunately for Dan Martin, Team Sky had the numbers to dominate.
They got the party started, and the field softened up, on the lower slopes. And they still had the men to finish the job on the top of the climb.
Martin was forced to settle for 4th place. But he and his team rode well in what was the Irishman's second day of racing of the new season.
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You can see stage highlights, and photos, below. There are also interviews with stage winner Michal Kwiatkowski and race leader Geraint Thomas; both of Team Sky.
Today, Friday, is a 20.3km mainly flat TT, though with some bumps. It will hopefully be a day for Ireland's Ryan Mullen (Trek-Segafredo) to shine.
He already has a stage victory, from the Vuelta San Juan in Argentina, on his palmares for 2018.
Volta ao Algarve stage 2 highlights
Michal Kwiatkowski & Geraint Thomas interviews
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Dan Martin stage 2 in photos
After his gutsy ride at the Tour de France last year - to 6th place in Paris - Dan Martin is always in demand with the European media any time he races.
The Irish rider's team looked strong on the front of the group bringing back the breakaway for their team leader.
Kiryienka attacks early on the summit finish climb, Dan Martin on his wheel.
Five riders would pull clear in the short-lived breakaway group on the early slopes.
With his Belarusian team mate having softened up the best of the field, Michal Kwiatkowski sprinted in to win atop the mountain.
Geraint Thomas of Team Sky, right, and Trek-Segafredo's Bauke Mollema take 3rd and 4th. Dan Martin is just behind them in 4th place on the day.
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