Geraint Thomas stayed in second spot on the Volta ao Algrave after a tough third stage time trial.

The defending champ clocked the third best time over the 11.18mile race against the clock at Sagres.

Thomas clocked 21 minutes 26 seconds as Switzerland’s time trial specialist Fabian Cancellara took the honours with a time of 20mins 57 secs.

Germany’s Tony Martin, the man nick-named The Tank, was second just five second slower than Cancellara.

But that was enough to give the Etixx Quick-Step rider the overall lead by just three seconds from Thomas.

The Cardiff racer will be looking to snatch the led on today’s penultimate stage of the five-day race which starts with several tough climbs before a sprint finish in Tavira.

Overnight leader Luis Leon Sanchez saw his hopes ended by a crash which left the Spaniard in hospital.