The 52nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve cycling race hits the road this Wednesday, with a different start: Vila Real de Santo António will once again host the inaugural stage of the Algarve race, on a 183.5-kilometer route that will take cyclists to Tavira.

The caravan will gather at Praça Marquês de Pombal on a day that promises to be one for sprinters, but has much more to offer than just the last 200 meters of the race.

The new golden kilometer

First of all, the biggest news: following the example of the biggest classics in Belgium, this year’s Volta ao Algarve will feature the golden kilometer, with three bonus sprints in just over a kilometer on the first day. To spice up the show even more, these sprints will be contested on a cobbled section in Vila Real de Santo António.

This will happen within the last 25 kilometers of the race. Before that, the peloton will have to overcome two third-category mountain climbs: the first shortly after kilometer 85, in Marcador, and the second about 45 kilometers from the finish, in Faz Fato.

After all that, the finish line: Tavira will host the 52nd Algarve stage finish, promised to the sprinters, despite the very slight climb on the home straight.

3ª Etapa Vila Real de Santo António – Tavira, 183,5Km, 21.02.2025 da 51ª Volta ao Algarve, de 19 a 23 de Fevereiro de 2025 Foto: Paulo Maria / FPC

Therefore, it is likely that the first Yellow Jersey – Turismo do Algarve will be a fast man: Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) is the strongest name at the top.

The first stage of the Volta ao Algarve cycling race hits the road this Wednesday at 12:00 p.m., with arrival scheduled for 4:27 p.m. You can follow de race here.