Dan Martin with the yellow jersey on his back in the Volta ao Algarve TT; he's out of the race lead but still very determined.
Dan Martin relinquished the yellow jersey at the Volta ao Algarve yesterday. But the climbing specialist has insisted the race for victory is not over.
Martin took a typically aggressive stage win on Thursday’s leg; riding clear with the strongest climbers.
He then sprinted to victory ahead of Primož Roglič (LottoNl-Jumbo) at the Alto da Foia summit finish.
Martin headed into yesterday’s 18km TT stage 3 with the yellow jersey on his back. But he had noted testers breathing down his neck.
One was Roglič, who started the day in 2nd overall just four seconds down on Martin.
Next overall was Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky). The former world road race champion finished stage 2 just 21 seconds down.
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Disappointed for today. Paid for the big effort of yesterday and wasn't comfortable on the bike. Take away a lot and onto the next #sunday
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) February 17, 2017
In yesterday’s TT stage victory went to Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar). He stopped the clock in 21:24.
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Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin) was 2nd at four seconds and the new race leader Roglič was 3rd at five seconds.
Ireland's Martin floundered somewhat; trailing home in a lowly 74th at 1:40.
However, a pan flat TT was never going to suit him, even in stage-winning form the previous day. He also still holds the climbers’ and points jerseys.
Aggressive and determined
Martin is always full of aggression and self belief and with another uphill stage finish on Sunday there may well be more success to come from him.
"I knew the time trial wasn't my cup of tea and had really tired legs after yesterday's stage," he said honestly after yesterday’s TT effort.
"So losing the yellow jersey doesn't come as a surprise.
“I was expecting maybe a better performance, but it was tough today and Alto da Foia took a lot out of me.
“Another thing we have to keep in mind is that it's still early in the season.
“But the race isn't over yet, there are two days left, one for the sprinters and one for the climbers, and we'll try to do our best in both.”
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