Its the 2nd slightly hilly but ultimately flat rated criterium stage. Again with twisty turns. But rather than finish on the descent, this time it finishes on the hill - adding a whole new complexity to the stage.
It wont be too complex at all though if the break stays away. Inoue and Wijaya are in the move today
And with 40km to go they still have 4 minutes. Do they have a chance?
No, no they do not. Caught with 17km to go
1 lap to go, and Murilo Fischer is moving to the front
With Richeze on his wheel, he pulls out into the lead on the descent
And the sprint starts as the climb begins. Already 17 riders has a bit of a gap, it will be tough for anyone else to have a chance now
Taking a turn on a brief flat section, Kirk O'Bee edges infront on the inside
But GC Favourite Florentino Marquez powers into the lead
Teammate Rui Costa moves past as the climb hits 4%
And now moving into the final kilometre
Taking the final turn - Benfica are all over the front right now!
Perez Arrieta is in 7th, he should manage to keep his jersey at this rate
As Costa powers on towards the line
Only Ronny Scholz dares to question the Benfica dominance
As Rui Costa secures victory! Potentially important time bonuses for Marquez, taking 2nd.
