Portimão once again hosts the departure of the Volta ao Algarve. The 49th edition starts with a 200.2 kilometers stage, the second longest. Lagos will decide the winner and the first yellow jersey Região de Turismo do Algarve.

Traditionally, it’s a stage for sprinters. A finish like this is expected, however, the alteration of the route in the final part, brings some difficulties that some of the sprinters may not like.

This year, there is only one intermediate sprint in Aljezur (169.4 kilometres). It should be noted that bonuses will be in effect at the finish line with 10, six and four seconds, respectively for first, second and third place.

As for mountain classification, cyclists will pass through a fourth category at Cruz da Assumada (62.9 kilometres) and a third at Nave (138.9 kilometres).

Fabio Jakobsen (Soudal Quick-Step) – three times winner in Lagos -, Jordi Meeus (BORA-hansgrohe), Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X) and Matteo Trentin (UAE Team Emirates) are the main candidates, if it is a sprint finish.