Team Sky’s Colombian rider Sergio Henao takes the stage and race lead at today’s summit finish in Portugal
Two of Ireland’s leading professional riders, Philip Deignan (Unitedhealthcare) and Ronan McLaughlin (An Post-Chainreaction) put in very strong performances today, Saturday, to mix it with some of the best riders in the world at the Volta ao Algarve.
Deignan came home in 17th place, just 35 seconds down on stage winner Sergio Henao (Team Sky), who was just three seconds ahead of Rui Costa (Movistar), with Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) a further two seconds back in third place.
McLaughlin put in a fantastic performance against the big names over a very hilly route that included a summit finish at the top of the second category Alto do Malhao. He placed 35th, in a small group 1:19 down on the stage winner and new overall leader.
Advertisement
The only other Irish rider in the race, Sean Downey also put in a very promising ride that he will be happy with. He came home 79th, around halfway down the field and 4:25 in arrears of the winner.
While many of the teams were aggressive on today’s 193km stage, the contest came down to a war of attrition up the final climb to the summit finish. While it was only 2.5km in length, it was steep and split the field to pieces.
Related News
Deignan is now 17th overall at 47 seconds, McLaughlin is 33rd at 1:29 while Downey is 74th at 4:35.
There is just one stage remaining, a 34km individual time trial tomorrow, where a good ride by Deignan could lift him into the top 10. He is only 25 seconds off the top 10. The closing test is a little on the long side and should ensure some changes to the overall.
Irrespective of what happens tomorrow, McLaughlin will be happy with his ride so far. His placing today was far from his highest in a pro race, but on such a long and hilly stage with a summit finish, to climb in the front section of a quality field was a very good performance.
McLaughlin gained selection for the World Championships on the Ireland team last year and has been building a reputation as a strong and aggressive rider on the Continent in the past few seasons. At the end of last year his An Post-Chainreaction manager Kurt Bogaerts said a number of bigger teams were looking at him last year and the Belgian believed they would return for another look this season.
If the Donegal man can maintain the kind of ride he put in today and perhaps bag a win in a one-day race, Bogaerts may be proven correct and he may be looking for a replacement for McLaughlin at the end of this season.
Topics
