Volta ao Algarve Stage 5: Meersman 4th in Sprint, Kwiatkowski Seals 2nd Place GC

Volta ao Algarve Stage 5: Meersman 4th in Sprint, Kwiatkowski Seals 2nd Place GC

Etixx - Quick-Step rider Michal Kwiatkowski confirmed his 2nd place overall at Volta ao Algarve on Sunday following a bunch sprint finish of 184.3km Volta ao Algarve Stage 5, from Almodovar to Vilamoura, on Sunday. Rider Gianni Meersman placed 4th in the stage.

The race came back together late in the race, as seven riders had a 10" advantage still with 3km to go. Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal) won the sprint, with Tom Van Asbroeck (Team Lotto-NLJumbo) 2nd and Raymond Kreder (Team Roompot) 3rd.

Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) won the overall by 27" over Kwiatkowski and 1'11" over Tiago Machado (Team Katusha).

Etixx - Quick-Step won Stage 1 with Gianni Meersman, and Stage 3 with Tony Martin. Kwiatkowski also finished 2nd in Stage 4. The team was a consistent protagonist throughout the stage race, with attacks from riders such as Zdenek Stybar, Martin, and Michal Golas. Yves Lampaert also finished in the top 15 of the time trial, and Petr Vakoc and Julien Vermote showed tremendous heart by working tirelessly on the front for their teammates.