Cozza Portugal prologueSetting the initial fast time of the day, Steven Cozza (right) ultimately had the 4th fastest time in today’s opening Volta a Portugal prologue. He missed taking the Best Young Rider classification by just 1″.

Departing almost two hours later, Tyler Farrar also put in a good ride and finished just 2″ off Steven to take 5th place and Chris Sutton finished 11th. Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O’s strong overall performance earned them the top spot in the team GC, with a 6″ gap on second place.

Directeur Sportif Johnny Weltz was happy with the team’s opening performance. “It was a very good start to the race for us. It was a fast stage and it’s good to have Steven just six seconds off the winner Ruben Plaza.”

“Tomorrow is a long stage with several time bonus sprints, including the finish. So there is room for us to take the leader’s jersey and to try to put Tyler in position for a stage win.”

Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O prologue results
1. Ruben Plaza 7′24″
4. Steven Cozza +06″
5. Tyler Farrar +08″
11. Chris Sutton +19″
24. Dan Martin +24″
39. Pat McCarty +28″
59. Christian Meier +32″
104. Lucas Euser +43″

Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O GC
1. Ruben Plaza 7′24″
4. Steven Cozza +06″
5. Tyler Farrar +08″
11. Chris Sutton +19″
24. Dan Martin +24″
39. Pat McCarty +28″
59. Christian Meier +32″
104. Lucas Euser +43″

Team Garmin-Chipotle Best Young
1. Marcel Wyss 7′29″
2. Steven Cozza +01″
5. Dan Martin +19″

Team GC
1. Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O 22′45″
2. Palmeiras Resort-Tavira +06″
3. Liberty Seguros +14″