The Volta ao Algarve returns to the region’s roads this Wednesday, in the 52nd edition of a race that has brought together some of the greatest specialists in the sport in recent years — spoiler alert: this year is no exception.
Vila Real de Santo António makes its debut as the host city for the official start, in a first stage of 183.5 kilometers, which ends in Tavira. In between, however, there is more news.
Golden kilometer to increase the spectacle
For the first time, and following an innovation that has already been implemented in the biggest Belgian classics, there will be a golden kilometer, with three bonus sprints in the space of just over a kilometer. Added to this is the fact that these three sprints will be contested on a cobbled section in the center of Vila Real de Santo António, which is another ingredient that promises to add to the spectacle right from the start.
The finish in Tavira, as in 2025, is expected to be a sprint, even though the finish line is on a slight uphill straight. Even so, the most powerful riders should be able to impose themselves.
The Algarvia continues on Thursday with the first mountain finish, in Foia, Serra de Monchique. The caravan leaves Portimão for a 147.2-kilometer journey, with two third-category mountain climbs in between, as well as a sprint finish and another golden kilometer.
2ª Etapa Lagoa – Alto da Foia, Monchique, 1177,6Km, 20.02.2025 da 51ª Volta ao Algarve, de 19 a 23 de Fevereiro de 2025 Foto: Paulo Maria / FPC
This year’s climb to Alto da Foia also brings something new, with a different route that promises to demand even more from the peloton, particularly from the men in the general classification, who will have their first big opportunity here to make a difference.
Speaking of differences, the third day also promises to be important in this regard, with an individual time trial (ITT) in Vilamoura. The route will be 19.5 kilometers long and flat, which is good for the specialists. The start will be at Vilamoura Marina and the finish at Avenida Engenheiro João Meireles.
4ª Etapa Albufeira – Faro, 175,2Km, 22.02.2025 da 51ª Volta ao Algarve, de 19 a 23 de Fevereiro de 2025 Foto: João Calado / FPC
On Saturday, the party will be between Albufeira and Lagos. The fourth stage is just over 175 kilometers, with a finish that is expected to be mainly for sprinters on Avenida dos Descobrimentos in Lagos. Until then, the peloton will have to overcome a third category mountain climb in Nave, a sprint finish in Lagoa, and a hot spot in Alzejur.
Alto do Malhão for the decision
The day of all decisions is set for Sunday, with the well known climb to Alto do Malhão. Last year, the climb was an individual time trial that crowned Jonas Vingegaard, but in 2026 the stage returns to its traditional format, although with one new feature: cyclists will have to climb Malhão twice during the day, the last of which will determine the winner of the day and, who knows, the General Classification.
The race starts in Faro and the day will feature other points of interest, namely three intermediate sprints and three mountain climbs, in addition to the now iconic passage through Estendal da Volta, in Alte.
João Almeida leads a top-class peloton
This is the route that the more than 150 riders registered for the Volta ao Algarve will have to cover over the five days of the race: there are 12 WorldTour teams, three ProTeam formations, and nine Portuguese continental teams, filled with some of the strongest names in cycling.
João Almeida, for example, is back in the Algarve, having finished second overall last year, just behind Jonas Vingegaard.
The Portuguese rider from UAE Emirates-XRG is one of the stars of the international peloton that will be cycling through the Algarve over the next few days, alongside other heavyweight rivals such as Juan Ayuso, making his debut for Lidl-Trek, Paul Seixas, the French prodigy from Decathlon CMA CGM Team, Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe), Oscar Onley and Filippo Ganna (INEOS), and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech).
Schedule
February 18 | Vila Real de Santo António – Tavira | 183.5 km | 12:00–4:27 p.m.
February 19 | Portimão – Foia | 147.2 km | 12:45–4:25 p.m.
02/20 | Vilamoura – Vilamoura (CRI) | 19.5 km | 1:05 p.m. (provisional)
02/21 | Albufeira – Lagos | 175.1 km | 11:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
02/22 | Faro – Malhão | 92.4 miles | 12:05 p.m.–3:42 p.m.