Wiggins takes final stage in Portugal

BRADLEY Wiggins won yesterday’s final stage of the Volta ao Algarve as Team Sky colleague Richie Porte landed the overall title.

British rider Wiggins edged out Germany’s Tony Martin to win the 25.8-kilometre stage from Lagoa to Portimao in 32 minutes and 48 seconds, with Australian Porte in third place.

In the overall standings of the five-stage tour, Porte led the way with a combined time of 19 hours, two minutes and 43 seconds.

Martin, for the Omega Pharma-Quickstep team, was 37 seconds behind, with Wiggins a further seven seconds adrift after climbing to third position.

Team Sky sports director Sean Yates said: “You couldn’t have asked for more to be honest. We’ve dominated the race. It is a massive display from the team. It is only early in the season but we’ve beaten some really strong riders here.

“The plan coming into the race was to build on our form. But our form was so good here anyway with the quality athletes we have we thought we might as well go for the win. We’ve got to keep our feet on the ground but the boys were relaxed, in control, communicated and dominated.”

Briton Steve Cummings suffered a fractured pelvis in a crash on the third stage of the Portuguese race.

In a BMC Racing team statement, Cummings said: “We were going down a little hill and this guy came from under me and hooked my handlebars. I didn’t even see it coming. You know what they say: what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.”