Joao Rodrigues took the victory at the Volta ao Algarve after distancing yesterday’s leader Ethan Hayter on the final climb of the last stage.
You can rewatch STAGE 5 from 2021 Volta ao Algarve HERE
Hayter held the lead after stage 2 but the Ineos Grenadiers could not hold the yellow jersey on as the Portuguese rider attacked on the climb and dropped all the favorites, except Elie Gesbert (Arkea-Samsic).
The Frenchman beat Rodrigues to the victory in stage 5, but at that point W52-Porto rider was content to take the general classification victory, with Hayter finishing nine seconds behind.
Rodrigues is the first Portuguese rider to win the race since João Cabreira in 2006, coincidentally also the last time a rider not from one of cycling’s top tier teams triumphed in the stage race.
