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Malhao - Alberto Contador has put himself in position to win his third straight Tour of the Algarve cycling race after finishing Friday's third stage in third place.
Stephen Cummings of Team Sky won the mountainous 179.2km leg in 4 hours, 56 minutes, 19 seconds - the same time as Contador and second-place finisher Tejay Van Garderen of HTC-Highroad.
"I'm very happy with the result because I managed to reach the lead pack and although I was third, I have been fighting for the win until the end," said Contador.
The Tour de France champion moved into second in the overall standings, six seconds behind Cummings.
Contador is racing for the first time since escaping a doping ban for testing positive for banned substance clenbuterol at last year's Tour. The Spanish cycling federation accepted Contador's claim of a positive test from unintentionally eating contaminated meat.
"I'm thoroughly enjoying myself despite sometimes experiencing aching legs, but I'm enjoying this race after going through so much stress. Now my mind is on other things," said Contador.
Results after Friday's 192.2km third stage of the Tour of the Algarve:
1. Stephen Cummings (GBR/Sky) 4hr 56min 19sec
2. Tejay van Garderen (USA/HTC-Highroad) s.t.
3. Alberto Contador (ESP/Saxo Bank) s.t.
4. Rein Taaramae (EST/Cofidis) s.t.
5. Tony Martin (GER/HTC-Highroad) s.t.
Overall standings
1. Stephen Cummings (GBR/Sky Procycling) 14hr 30min 47sec
2. Alberto Contador (ESP/Saxo Bank) at 6sec
3. Tony Martin (GER/HTC-Highroad) 10
4. Tejay van Garderen (USA/HTC-Highroad) 12
5. Rein Taaramae (EST/Cofidis) 18
