The day of all decisions in the Volta ao Algarve has arrived: the mythical Alto do Malhão hosts the final stage of the race this Sunday, which will crown the new Visit Algarve Yellow Jersey.

However, this fifth stage has a major new feature compared to recent years: this time, the ascent of Malhão will be a time trial, starting 19.6 kilometers earlier, in Salir.

And with such small differences in the General Classification, the fight promises to be exciting.

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: João Calado / FPC

Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates XRG) is the leader since day two, but only four seconds ahead of his teammate João Almeida.

The Portuguese rider arrived in the Algarve as one of the big favorites for the final victory, and competing at “home”, he has legitimate aspirations for a historic afternoon. But he’s not the only one.

António Morgado, also from UAE Team Emirates XRG, took advantage of a breakaway in the final sprint of the fourth stage to reduce the gap to 14 seconds. With a good climb to Malhão, he can dream of taking the yellow.

2ª Etapa Lagoa – Alto da Foia, Monchique, 1177,6Km, 20.02.2025 da 51ª Volta ao Algarve, de 19 a 23 de Fevereiro de 2025 Foto: João Calado / FPC

Between the two compatriots, and also with a say, is Laurens De Plus: seven seconds separate the INEOS Grenadiers rider from Jan Christen.

Then there are the other two big contenders to win the GC, along with João Almeida: Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and Primož Roglič (Red Bull – BORA – hansgroge) are also TT specialists and will certainly be riding with the ambition of celebrating at Alto do Malhão.

1ª Etapa Portimão – Lagos, 192,2Km, 19.02.2025 da 51ª Volta ao Algarve, de 19 a 23 de Fevereiro de 2025 Foto: João Calado / FPC

Vingegaard is 20 seconds off the lead – the same as Luca Vergallito (Alpecin-Deceuninck) – while Roglic is 23 seconds behind Jan Christen.

From 1:31 p.m., when the first rider leaves Salir to the finish line, until 4:20 p.m., when Jan Christen starts the mythical climb of the Volta ao Algarve, all eyes will be on the Algarvia.

Alto do Malhão will be, for sure, ready to embrace the Visit Algarve Yellow Jersey of the Volta ao Algarve 51st edition. You can follow the TT here.