Mark Downey’s excellent start to the 2018 road season continued today in Portugal as he took over the leader’s jersey at the Volta ao Alentejo (2.2).
The Team Wiggins rider finished second on today’s 205.2-kilometre second stage from Beja to Sines to move into the overall lead.
Russian rider Dmitry Strakhov (Lokosphinx) won ahead of Downey with Oscar Hernandez (Aviludo-Louletano) in third. This trio finished 2″ clear of another two riders.
In addition, the 21 year-old also leads the points classification, the young rider’s classification and his Team Wiggins squad lead the team classification. Downey has 36 points with Justin Jules (WB Aqua Protect Veranclassic) with 33 points in the points classification. Downey’s team-mate Gabriel Cullaigh is in second in the youth classification.
Downey’s result today follows on from his third place on the opening stage from Vendas Novas to Serpa. He also took a fourth place in his opening road race of the season on Sunday, the Classica da Arrabida – Cyclin’Portugal (1.2).
The race continues tomorrow with a 149.3-kilometre stage from Grândola to Arraiolos.
