One day before the conclusion of the Tour of Algarve (2.Pro, 16-20/02), Norwegian rider Sven Erik Bystrøm managed to keep his position in the top ten of the provisional classification thanks to a solid time trial performance. He covered the 32 kilometer between Vila Real de San Antonio’s harbor at the Spanish-Portuguese border and Tavira in 47 minutes, resulting in an average speed of 47.7 kilometer per hour and a thirteenth place in this fourth stage.
Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel (QuickStep) distanced his competitors and took the lead in the provisional classification on the eve of the final stage of 173 kilometer between Lagoa and the top of the steep Alto do Malhão (2.5km at 9.8%), which is covered a first time 25 kilometer before the finish.
