After an exciting start for sprinters, the 52nd Volta ao Algarve moves on to another wave this Thursday: for the climbers. 

The second stage of the Algarvia race hits the road at 12:45 p.m. in the riverside area of Portimão, with the spectacle reserved for the last ten kilometers, with the well-known climb to Alto da Foia.  

Therefore, it is expected that the Yellow Jersey – Turismo do Algarve will change hands: Paul Magnier starts the day as the leader of the general classification, but he himself has admitted that the difficulties of Foia are not for him. 

Revamped Foia promises changes in the general classification 

This is especially true because this year’s climb to Foia presents a new challenge, with an alternative route that will offer other difficulties to the main contenders for the podium at the end of the day.   

Before that, there is a lot of pedaling to do. The peloton leaves Portimão in the early afternoon, and at kilometer 30, it will encounter the first intermediate sprint in Paderne. Shortly after, before passing through the legendary Estendal da Volta in Alte, the cyclists will pass the Picota mountain pass, a third-category climb.   

Alferce and Casais will be the other third category climbs of the day, already within the last 50 kilometers of the race, and before the hot spot, with the two bonus sprints of Casais and Serenada. 

João Almeida and Juan Ayuso, all eyes on them 

The race at this point has been long but eventful, as the decisive moment is about to begin with the climb to Foia. It remains to be seen whether the breakaway will survive or whether the favorites will want to make their mark against the competition: all eyes will be on João Almeida, Portuguese rider for UAE Team Emirates XRG, and Spaniard Juan Ayuso, from Lidl-Trek. 

Afonso Silva, João Almeida, and Juan Ayuso at the press conference for the preview of the 52nd Volta ao Algarve (Igor Martins/Rodrigo Rodrigues – Federação Portuguesa de Ciclismo)

Once teammates, the now rivals are tipped as the big favorites to win the overall classification.

You can follow the race here.