By Ian Gordon
Geraint Thomas is set for a final stage title battle after surviving a puncture scare on the Volta ao Algarve.

The Cardiff-born racer is second overall just three seconds behind Tony Martin as he bids to retain his crown.

Thomas suffered a flat about 20 miles from the finish of Saturday’s penultimate stage in Tavira but was brought back into the pack by his Team Sky team-mates.

Now Thomas and Exixx Quick-Step rival Martin from Germany will battle for glory on the summit finish at Alto do Malhao.

Sport Director Gabriel Rasch said “When G got the puncture it was on a big road with around 35 kilometres to go.

“We had some guys waiting for him a little bit further up so it wasn’t too bad and there was no panic.

“It was a good day and all the guys did a really good job helping G and keeping him fresh.

“There were three or four crashes in the last 50km and they managed to avoid all of those.

“Sunday is a big day and we need to try and put some time into Martin. It should be a really exciting stage.”

Sprinter Marcel Kittell bagged his second stage win of the five day race on Saturday as he held off Wouter Wippert of Cannondale and Lotto Soudal’s Jens Debusschere.
endig