After the high emotions of Alto da Fóia, this friday it’s a day for the sprinters in the longest stage of the 49th edition of the Volta ao Algarve. And Tavira has been the scene of great sprints. Avenida Zeca Afonso, slightly uphill, poses more difficulty, requiring extra effort.

Last year, the city hosted the decision of the time trial, but in 2023 the traditional finish returns. Sam Bennett, Dylan Groenewegen and the retired Marcel Kittel and André Greipel are renowned sprinters who won in Tavira.

The third stage starts in Faro (10:40), in Largo da Sé, with 203.1 kilometers to face. The stage may be for sprinters, but that doesn’t mean it’s a flat one. Portela de Corcha (63.4 kilometers) and Cachopo (78.3 kilometers) are the climbs of the day, both third category. However, the last few kilometers will be flatter and are usually done at high speed. The intermediate sprint is placed in Vila Real de Santo António (178.5).

This stage will be important for the fight for the Crédito Agrícola Green Jersey, held by Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X), who is one of the candidates for a new victory, after the triumph in Lagos. But the norwegian has already admitted that he might return the favor to the partner who prepared the sprint him in the first stage, Søren Wærenskjold.

However, Fabio Jakobsen (Soudal Quick-Step) doesn’t like to go unnoticed at the Volta ao Algarve and Jordi Meeus (BORA-hangrohe) – second in Lagos – is looking for his first victory of the year.

Before the start of the stage, Alexander Kristoff will receive the Prestige Award of the 49th Volta ao Algarve.