Trofeo Mallorca: Tony Martin Top 10 in Climbing Stage

Trofeo Mallorca: Tony Martin Top 10 in Climbing Stage

Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team wanted to take a chance in the 3rd stage of Trofeo Mallorca — 152.9km Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana Deia-Lluc — on Tuesday. OPQS sent Kristof Vandewalle into a breakaway of 10 riders. Then, as the original breakaway reduced in number as the race progressed, Vandewalle remained. It wasn't until chaos ensued on the Puig Major, with attacking riders catching the break, when Vandewalle could no longer maintain contact. The race came down to a select group in the final kilometers.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team) won the stage, with Sergio Henao (Sky ProCycling) placing 2nd, and Robert Gesink (Blanco Pro Cycling Team) taking 3rd. OPQS rider Tony Martin finished 8th, 1'13" back from four riders who decided the finish.

OPQS looks next to 169.8km Trofeo Alcudia-Can Picafort-Playa de Muro. Trofeo Mallorca Day 4 is another climbing stage, with four Category 2 climbs bunched together in the midway point of the race. There is a long, fast descent on the second climb after the roughly 80km summit point.