Geraint Thomas was crowned Volta ao Algarve champ for the second year in a row to give his season the perfect boost.

The Cardiff-born racer claimed the leader’s yellow jersey by a convincing 19 seconds after finishing fifth on the final stage.

Thomas had gone into the decider trailing Tony Martin by just three seconds, but the German’s hopes disappeared after he was dropped on the first climd up Alto do Malhao.

The Team Sky rider faced a series of attacks from his rivals, but kept his composure to come home behind stage winner Alberto Contador.

Thomas, who became the first Brit to win the five-day event last year, took the overall honours from Movistar rider Jon Izagirre.

Contador finished seven seconds further back in third spot overall.

Thomas, 29, said: “Once Tony Martin got dropped first time up the climb the stage was all about defending that lead.

“Izagirre was the biggest threat after that and I just didn’t get carried away when Contador and Rigo Uran attacked.

“I just followed Izagirre all the way until well into the last kilometre. I had a little dig myself but I kind of knew I had it by then.

“The worst thing that could happen was to follow Contador, blow up and then maybe lose the race overall. It was just about playing it safe and finishing the job off.

“I knew the climb from last year and we do it twice in the race. So I knew the effort it involved and I just didn’t want to get carried away and go into the red until necessary.

“It’s been a big team effort and all week the boys have been great and supporting me all the way through.”

“It’s always nice to be on the podium and get a win. I don’t get to do it very often so I certainly enjoy that.”

The win gives his season as a massive boost as he targets a crack at the Tour de France if team-mate and reigning champ Chris Froome falters.

Thomas went on from his triumph to Portugal last year to also triumph at the E3 Harelbeke race before finishing 15th on the Tour having been in the top 10 for much of the race.

The Monaco-based ace added: “It’s definitely a good confidence booster now going into the last big block of training.

“I’ve got a big block of racing then with three big stage races and then three big one-days as well. Hopefully I can take something out of all that.”