The 47th Volta ao Algarve, one of the region’s biggest sporting events, will begin on Wednesday in Lagos.
The competition was initially scheduled to take place between February 17-21 but was postponed to May 5-9 due to soaring Covid-19 cases at the time.
The first stage of the race will begin near Lagos’ municipal sports complex, an area which the local council says was chosen with the goal of “avoiding large gatherings”, and continue for 189.5km until Portimão.
The next stage will see cyclists departing from Sagres for an 182.8km journey until the Fóia peak in Monchique on Thursday, followed by a 203.1km stage between Faro and Tavira on Friday.
Lagoa will host an individual time trial (ITT) on Saturday, while the last stage will go ahead on Sunday between Albufeira and Malhão in Loulé (170.1km).
There will be 25 teams taking part – seven WorldTeam squads, eight ProTeam and 10 Continental.
“Among the teams visiting the Algarve are the two best in the teams world ranking, the Belgian Deceuninck-Quick-Step and the British Ineos Grenadiers. Also taking part will be the world number five, UAE Team Emirates, and the sixth-highest ranked, German Bora-hansgrohe,” organisers have announced.
They have also confirmed that CMTV and Eurosport will be broadcasting the final hour and a half of each stage between 4.30pm and 6pm.
“The race has been growing. We will have a packed peloton, in which the Portuguese teams will have a leading role. A great Volta ao Algarve is expected,” said the president of the Portuguese Cycling Federation, Delmino Pereira.
M.B.
