Hundreds of kilometers later, the decision of the 52nd Volta ao Algarve will be made this Sunday, with the fifth and final stage, which is crucial for the General Classification.

As has been usual in recent years, Alto da Malhão will once again host the final arrival in the Algarvia, in a race that will start at 12:05 p.m. in Faro. It will then be 148.4 kilometers to the finish line, with many different points of interest.

Malhão twice

Right from the start, the peloton will climb Alto do Malhão twice: the final climb, of course, but also one about 40 kilometers from the finish, which will be a second category mountain climb.

The day will also feature two more mountain climbs, both on the way through Soidos, on a third category climb. Estendal da Volta, in Alte, will also have the opportunity to welcome the riders twice. The second time will be a sprint finish, 16 kilometers from the final finish line.

Before that, at kilometer seven, Olhão will also have an intermediate sprint, as will Loulé, shortly after 50 kilometers of racing.

The day promises to be exciting from early on, but the big thrills are reserved for Malhão, where the men in the GC fight should take the opportunity to make their mark, as happened in Foia.

Ayuso and Seixas, with Almeida close behind

There, it is Juan Ayuso who has the advantage: the Spaniard from Lidl-Trek is the owner of the Yellow Jersey – Turismo do Algarve, with a seven-second lead over Paul Seixas, the young rider from the Decathlon CMA CGM Team.

Seixas even came out on top in the duel at Foia, but Ayuso made the difference in the time trial at Vilamoura. João Almeida, the home favorite, will also be eagerly awaiting the outcome. The Portuguese rider from UAE Team Emirates XRG is third overall, 44 seconds behind the leader, and is also keen to show his worth at Malhão.

2ª Etapa Portimão – Alto da Faia, Monchique 157,10Km, 19.02.2026 da 52ª Volta ao Algarve, de 18 a 22 de Fevereiro de 2026 Foto: Igor Martins / FPC

In addition to the Yellow Jersey – Turismo do Algarve, the afternoon will also be decisive for the Save Water Jersey, the Green Jersey – Crédito Agrícola, and the White Jersey – IPDJ.

The fifth and final stage of the Volta ao Algarve starts at 12:05 p.m., departing from Faro, with arrival at Alto do Malhão scheduled for 3:42 p.m. You can also follow the race here, from the start.