The official granfondo of the Volta ao Algarve is returning after a two-year forced hiatus due to the pandemic. The Algarve Granfondo will be held on 19 February in Lagoa and entries open this Thursday.

It is an opportunity for everyone to pedal on the same stage that will welcome the great international stars who, once again, will make up the Volta ao Algarve peloton. The challenge proposed is for everyone to surpass themselves by cycling through the Algarve that has yet to be discovered, while experiencing the atmosphere of the Volta ao Algarve, one of the biggest sporting events in Portugal.

Participants in the Algarve Granfondo can choose between two courses. The Granfondo, with 134 kilometres and an elevation gain of 2325 metres, or the Mediofondo, with 88 kilometres and an 1220 metres of elevation gain. In both cases the start and finish will be in Lagoa.

The more daring and well prepared who choose the Granfondo will have the opportunity to climb to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve and a mythical place in the decision of the Volta ao Algarve. It will be one of the three climbs of the longest route. The other climbs are Casais and Picota, which are also part of the Mediofondo route.

In 2023 there will be something new in the Algarve Granfondo. There will be classifications by age category. In both the male and female sectors, winners will be found in U23, elite, master 30, master 40, master 50 and master 60.

Entries open at 8pm this Thursday, November 24 at https://www.algarvegranfondo.com/. There will be two registration periods. The first, until 31 December, guarantees discounts. Until the end of 2022, the registration fee is €35 for members of the Portuguese Cycling Federation and €40 for other participants. From January 1, the prices will rise to €40 and €45 for members and non-members respectively.

The Algarve Granfondo will be organised by the Algarve Cycling Association.