February 21, 2003 – Today's 172K race saw sprinter Alberto Loddo (Lampre) win the second stage of the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal, which ended in a bunch sprint. Canada's Michael Barry (USPS) finished 13th in the gallop to the line. Pedal caught up with him to talk about the stage.

Pedal: How was the race today – how did it unfold, and tell us about the finish?

Barry: The race was uneventful on the whole. The course was undulatiing with a few stiff climbs. Maia, the race leader's (Angel Edo) team, has been controlling the race as they have one rider, Claus Moller who can climb and time trial well so they are trying to protect him as much as possible until the last two days when the sparks should fly. I gave it a small effort in the field sprint but it got a little dicey so I backed off and let them to it.

Pedal: How have your legs been feeling up the hills today?

Barry: Not so bad but I haven't found my rythym yet. I feel good but not great. I haven't done any hard climbing in training yet so I'll have to wait and see… it should come in the next few weeks though.

Stage 2: Lagoa – V.R. San Antonio, 172km

1. Alberto Loddo (Ita) Lampre 4.17.25
2. Candido Barbosa (Por) L.A. Pecol
3. Angel Edo (Spa) Milaneza-MSS
4. Alberto Benito (Spa) Antarte- Rota Movei
5. Yon Bru (Spa) L.A. Pecol
6. Ruben Galvan (Spa) ASC-Vila Do Conde
7. Gustavo Lemos (Spa) Carvalhelhos-Boavista
8. Nuno Marta (Por) Barbot-Torrie
9. Inaki Isasi (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
13. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service presented by Berry Floor

Overall:

1. Angel Edo (Spa) Milaneza-SS
2. Yon Bru (Spa) L.A. Pecol 0.09
3. Candido Barbosa (Por) L.A. Pecol 0.01
4. Michael Barry (Can) U.S. Postal Service presented by Berry Floor
5. Oscar Serrano (Spa) ASC-Vila Do Conde
6. Roberto Lozano (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca
7. Alberto Benito (Spa) Antarte- Rota 0.16
8. Ruben Galvan (Spa) ASC-Vila Do Conde
9. Nuno Marta (Por) Barbot-Torrie
10. Gustavo Lemos (Spa) Carvalhelhos-Boavista