Omega Pharma's Michal Kwaitkowski extended his lead in the Volta Ao Algarve in Portugal with victory in the time trial.
A 13.6km time trial from Vila de Bispo to Sagres was today's fare for the riders.
Favourites for the stage were the British Time Trial Champion Alex Dowsett and World Time Trial champion Tony Martin of Omega Pharma Quick Step and neither disappointed.
Essex hailing Dowsett of Movistar finished in 14.27 but was eleven seconds behind Tony Martin who took over a lead which lasted until Dowsett's team mate in Adrian Malori came flying home two seconds quicker.
However, that was not good enough as Alberto Contador knocked Dowsett off the podium by finishing eight seconds down on Malori's time and then race leader Michal Kwiatkowski snatched victory finishing a clear ten seconds of Malori to take not only the individual time trial but to extend his lead in the race going into the fourth stage.
Stage Result
1 Kwiatkowski 14.01
2 Malori +11
3 Martin +13
4 Contador +20
5 Dowsett +24
6 Barta +28
7 Flens +28