Oscar Onley rode to a strong fourth-place finish on stage two of the Volta ao Algarve.
The Scot worked his way across the gap to the lead trio with 1.7 kilometres to go on the Alto da Foia, and would cross the line four seconds back on stage winner Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA GGM).
Onley holds the same position overall, 14 seconds off the lead with three days to go.
Kevin Vauquelin was also up there in a select lead group on the final climb and would cross the line in ninth place on the steep slopes, 29 seconds back. Thymen Arensman also finished in close company, 13th on the stage.
Throughout the 147.2km queen stage the INEOS Grenadiers worked to position their riders to the fore, helping gradually pull back the day's breakaway. Filippo Ganna and Kim Heiduk got through a lot of work on the approach the finale.
Reaction
Oscar Onley
“Things were going well but unfortunately one of the UAE riders crashed just in front of me meaning I was a little far back when the front guys attacked. From there I just rode my own pace back up to the guys, but I don’t think it changed anything for the results.
“It was really enjoyable riding with the guys today, I’ve always seen how the team take on the race so often and it was nice to be a part of that today - just staying safe and in good position.
"These kind of days are important for us as GC riders to learn how we all ride and how we can work best together, so I think we did it in a really good way for our first time together.”