Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team had the leadout train ready to go for sprinter Gerald Ciolek. Unfortunately, another team sat on the wheel of the leadout train and used it to propel their own sprinter to a victory on Thursday at Volta ao Algarve Stage 2. Ciolek salvaged a podium spot, finishing 3rd, while Nikolas Maes placed 9th. "The team did a great job," Sports director Rik Van Slycke said. "Even Michal Kwiatkowski and Tony Martin were active. Martin launched the sprint at 400 meters where the road was slightly uphill. Maes was the last one to lead up Ciolek. But he was closed a little bit and he lost speed. Ciolek was behind him, but he was anticipated by Edvald Boasson Hagen." Boasson Hagen (Team Sky) simply got too much speed on Ciolek, and sprinted for the win. Kris Boeckmans (Vacansoleil-DCM) was 2nd.
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team— choosing to dictate the final kilometers of this stage— hit the front of the peloton for the final 3km. Ciolek looked to be in prime position in a stage that looked doomed for a bunch sprint when a several rider breakaway, that eventually was reduced to two, couldn't withhold much of a gap.
Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team also led the chase with 36 kilometers to go, but were actively pursuing the attacking riders throughout.
"The team was really strong," Van Slycke said. "I am happy about the mental approach of the riders after yesterday's stage. Yesterday they made some little mistakes. Tomorrow is a key stage for the GC. Everybody is motivated for a great race.
