The pedals aren’t turning yet, but it’s fair to say that the 52nd Volta ao Algarve cycling race has already started. On Tuesday, the Salão Nobre of Albufeira Town Council hosted the press conference to launch the race, attended by three of the protagonists: João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates XRG), Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), and Afonso Silva (Team Tavira / Crédito Agrícola).  

The vice-president of Albufeira City Council, Jorge Carmo, opened the ceremony. He said that the Algarve “is much more than a sporting event”. “The athletes take away good memories from here”, he added.  

In turn, the president of the Portuguese Cycling Federation, Cândido Barbosa, highlighted the partnership with Ezequiel Mosquera, the new director of the Volta ao Algarve, a connection that allows the event to be “modernized and professionalized”. “I wish the athletes the best of luck”, he said.  

“I want to point out that we landed here a little over a month ago, but there has been a lot of intense work, with everyone’s collaboration. I hope the feedback is positive and that it will be another successful edition. On our part, there has been a lot of work”, Ezequiel Mosquera continued. 

For her part, the vice president of the Algarve Tourism Region argued that the Algarvia is already an “emblematic and fundamental” race for the region. For this reason, the organization “could not fail to be associated with it”. 

João Almeida came second a year ago and guarantees that he is back in the Algarve to win. However, the competition is fierce, he says: “I’m here to give my best, we know the competition is strong. We feel good, we’re prepared, and we hope everything goes well.”

Juan Ayuso will make his debut for Lidl-Trek in the Algarve, which is also his first time in the Portuguese race. The young Spaniard commented that this is a race that “has everything, it is complete and very good for preparing for the season”.  

Afonso Silva was the representative of the Portuguese teams. The 25-year-old cyclist said that it is “a privilege” to be part of the event and that “racing at home is very special”. “We will try to represent our colors to the fullest, and we hope it will be a positive race”, he concluded.  

The Volta ao Algarve begins this Wednesday with the stage connecting Vila Real de Santo António to Tavira. On Sunday, the last stage ends with the climb to Alto do Malhão.

Schedule  

February 18 | Vila Real de Santo António – Tavira | 183.5 km | 12:00–4:27 p.m.  

February 19 | Portimão – Foia | 147.2 km | 12:45–4:25 p.m.  

02/20 | Vilamoura – Vilamoura (CRI) | 19.5 km | 1:05 p.m. (provisional)  

02/21 | Albufeira – Lagos | 175.1 km | 11:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m.  

02/22 | Faro – Malhão | 92.4 miles | 12:05 p.m.–3:42 p.m.