Advertisement
Martin won Wednesday's third stage (file photo).
Cycling

Dan Martin loses race lead on testing day at the Volta a Catalunya

Martin drops back to fourth as Quintana seizes GC advantage.

IRELAND’S DAN MARTIN surrendered the race lead and slipped back to fourth at the Volta a Catalunya on Thursday.

Chasing a second overall victory in the Pyrenees race, Martin hoped to follow up on his Stage 3 win and consolidate his advantage in the general classification.

But he could only finish 10th on the challenging ride to Port Aine as Thomas De Gendt took the stage and Nairo Quintana seized the race lead.

“Sad to lose the jersey but gave it everything I had and gives me confidence moving forward,” Martin tweeted. ”Race isn’t over till Barcelona.”

Alberto Contador trails Quintana by eight seconds, with Richie Porte 17 seconds off the pace and Martin 24 seconds adrift.

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Ireland’s Olympic representation grows as Tidey and Brewster secure Rio berths