The 50th edition of the Volta ao Algarve begins in a place that already has a tradition as the race’s starting city: Portimão (11:35). To start with a bang, we’ll have the longest stage, with 200.8 kilometers to Lagos, where an exciting sprint awaits, that will reveal who will wear the first Yellow Jersey Turismo do Algarve and the Green Jersey Crédito Agrícola (points classification).
The list of winners in Lagos is full of notables riders, but only one can try to repeat the feat: John Degenkolb (DSM-Firmenich) won in 2011. Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) and Jordi Meeus (BORA-hansgrohe) top the list of favorites, with the Belgian having been second a year ago, beaten only by Alexander Kristoff.
The stage, this wednesday, will be mostly flat, with two mountain passes, first in Aldeia dos Matos (fourth category at 37.6 kilometers) and then in Nave (third at 96.5), which will decide the holder of the Blue Jersey Água é Vida . There will also be an intermediate spring at Vila do Bispo (161.2 kilometers).
The arrival in Lagos – around 16:30 – is known for being full of emotion. Fast, but with two roundabouts before the long straight until the finish line (about 800 meters), which requires extra attention from the leadouts.
It will be a full speed start of the race before the peloton heads out to the first mountain stage, next thursday.