Belgian Philippe Gilbert retained the overall lead following Thursday's 186.5km second stage in the Tour of the Algarve, but three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador was just 15 seconds adrift.
Contador, who was on Tuesday cleared of doping by the Spanish Cycling Federation, is well placed to win a third successive Tour of the Algarve.
He will find Friday's 179.2km third stage, with a mountain finish on the second category Malhao, an appetising prospect.
The sprinters had their chance to shine on Thursday, with German John Degenkolb taking the stage honours ahead of American ace Tyler Farrar, while Australian rider Michael Matthews was third.
Share
