Astana had several cards to play in today's Volta ao Algarve time trial and with both Luis Leon Sanchez and Rein Taaramae finishing in the top 10, the team did well.

"In the final with a strong headwind i could not go more than 40 km per hour," Sanchez said after having finished 8th.

For Sanchez was the first time trial of the season using the new Specialized bike and he was satisfied with the results obtained without any special training.

Teammate Rein Taaramäe arrived in seventh, 26 seconds behind winner Tony Martin from Germany and now is fourth overall in the General Classification 9 seconds ahead of Sanchez.

Stage four with the uphill finish at Alto do Malhão and almost 3500 meters of climbing will be decisive for the final victory.