Mark Downey (Team Wiggins) kept hold of the yellow jersey at the Volta ao Alentejo (2.2) following today’s 149.3-kilometre third stage from Grândola to Arraiolos.
The Irish rider finished fifth on the stage which was won by Dmitry Strakhov (Lokosphinx) ahead of Downey’s team-mate Gabriel Cullaigh with Justin Jules (WB Aqua Protect Veranclassic) finishing third.
Downey is on equal time overall with Oscar Hernandez (Aviludo-Louletano) with Jules a further second behind. He still holds the lead in the youth classification but Strakhov has taken over the points jersey.
The Banbridge man still has three stages to contest with tomorrow afternoon’s 8.4-kilometre possibly providing a big shake-upon GC. Before that, the riders will tackle a 64-kilometre stage from Monforte to Portalegre in the morning.
