Primoz Roglic delivered a strong performance in the last stage of Portugal’s Volta ao Algarve to grab fifth place in the general classification. Team LottoNL-Jumbo’s Slovenian finished sixth in the mountain stage to Alto do Malhão behind Alberto Contador (Tinkoff). Geraint Thomas (Sky) took the overall victory.

The final stage of the Volta ao Algarve was a hilly one. Even before the fight on the final climb to Alto do Malhão began, the first differences were already made. “It was a tough, nervous stage with a lot of climbing,” sports director Merijn Zeeman said. “Primoz delivered another very strong performance. It’s a big surprise that he’s able to grab the fifth place in the general classification with Aru, Contador and Thomas on the start line. He can be very proud of that.”

Movistar and Tinkoff set a very high pace before the riders reached the foot of the Alto do Malhão, when it became a battle of attrition. Roglic was able to follow the best riders. “I’m still struggling a little bit with positioning for climbs,” Roglic said. “My men protected me very well and I’m thankful. It became a mental fight in the end and I’m good at that. I just keep on telling myself that the finish line is close and that I must keep on giving everything I have. I’m very happy with the result I grabbed this week. This really motivates me.”

Because of the high pace, Robert Gesink didn’t get the chance to attack as he had planned and placed 14th. “He gave the best he could,” Zeeman added. “Robert is at the beginning of his build-up to the Tour of Catalonia, but proved that he has quite a high level already. He only lost 40 seconds to Contador, so he can be satisfied with that.”

Zeeman is happy with the level Team LottoNL-Jumbo showed this week during the Volta ao Algarve. “We want to develop our sprint lead out this season, most of all and we’re improving on that,” he added. “I enjoyed the team’s spirit as well. The boys really want to work for each other. We’re on the right track.”