I'm back!

The Volta ao Algarve is the first important stage race this season. In the first showdown you don't really know where you stand in comparison to your rivals. But I already felt well on the first stage. That I was able to be in at the finish on the second stage, makes me very satisfied. Especially since I came to the start here directly from the training camp.

The second stage was very challenging. Especially hard were the last 50 kilometers, with their five climbs. My team did a super job, kept me out of the wind the whole day and brought me into a good position near the end. That's where things started happening. The climb to the finish was a real elimination race. But I had good legs and the feeling that I could win the race. Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) came up from behind in his closing attack at a crazy high speed and I was boxed in by the other riders, so that I had to wait to put in my attack. 50 meters more and the stage would perhaps have had a different winner...

But my legs are good and I am extremely motivated. I came through the third stage, which was relatively flat, quite well. I am still in second place in GC. So everything it still possible. I hope that I can now recover, because tomorrow's fourth stage from Albufeira to Malhao will be a tough one. Sunday is the finale with the individual time trial. I am fit and looking forward to it! Yours, Maximilian.

Photo: Roth Foto | Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta, Stage 2 | 20 Feb 2020