In the Algarve, a break has formed consisting of Wouter Weylandt (Quick Step), Ted King (Cervélo), Gonzalo Rabuñal and Nelson Oliveira (Xacobeo Galicia), Thomas de Gendt (Topsort Vlaanderen-Mercator), Bruno Saraiva (CC Loulé-Louletano-Aquashow) and Pieter Ghyllebert (An Post Sean Kelly Team). At last ticker update, they were 40 km into the stage and had 3:40 on the peloton.
Bad news, though: 8 km in, Gert Steegmans hit a parked car, lost his helmet, and hit his head on the ground. He has been taken to the hospital for evaluation.
No news from Oman. Keep checking Twitter--it's about the only source we've had. If you find anything else, please post below.