Gianni Meersman has won the opening stage of the 41st Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta.in Portugal.
World Champion Michal Kwiatkowski of Etixx Quick Step was back to defend his title in a race which started with a 166.7km stage from Lagos to Albufeira.
Mario González (ActiveJet), Joni Brandão (Efapel), João Benta (Louletano) and Samuel Magalhães (Rádio Popular) formed the break and were 6.35 ahead after forty seven kilometres after being 7.45 clear.
Their lead had steadied at six minutes after 63kms but was down to 3.52 with 78kms to go.
González took the third category climb with a lead of 3.42 and fifty kilometres left to race.
João Benta dropped back to the peloton and with 24kms to go, Mario Gonzalez, Joni Brandao, and Samuel Magalhães had a lead of fifty seconds.
Their time on the front was over and with sixteen kilometres left, the peloton was back together.
This set up a sprint which was won by Gianni Meersman of Etixx Quick Step ahead of Team Sky's Ben Swift, Maertens, Jans, Stybar, R. Kreder, Herrada, Navardauskas, Kwiatkowsk and Boivin.