The 40th edition of the Volta ao Algarve by bicycle, which runs from February 19th to 23rd, returns to the traditional five-stage format, featuring a very varied and more competitive route than in previous years, with the aim of giving the opportunity to shine to all kind of runners.
The 2nd stage, arriving in Monchique, and the arrival in Alto do Malhão should be decisive for the final classification, as well as the individual time trial, on the third day, between Vila do Bispo and Sagres, which will be shorter than usual. leaving the race open to a wide range of runners.
The peloton will cover a total of 690 kilometers, spread over four stages in a row and an individual time trial of 13,6 kilometers.
The layout is varied, including shots for sprinters pure, but also the emblematic arrival to Alto do Malhão and an individual time trial in the 3rd stage.
World Champion Rui Costa confirms his presence
In terms of the stars of this “Algarvia”, the presence of world champion Rui Costa is already confirmed, as well as that of his teammate Nelson Oliveira, from Lampre-Merida, and also the Portuguese Sérgio Paulinho and Bruno Pires and the Spaniard Alberto Contador, by Tinkoff-Saxo, and young star Wilco Kelderman, of Belkin.
Also on the Algarve roads will be the leading team in the 2013 ranking, Movistar, as well as Russian Katusha, who has José Azevedo as sporting director, and Astana, all from the World Tour (top level).
«The Volta ao Algarve, as in previous years, will once again be a great sporting spectacle. This is the cycling event held in national territory with the greatest international impact, always with the presence of a notable squad. This year is special, as it celebrates its 40th edition, and it is our ambition to provide a race capable of making the entire region proud», said Cândido Barbosa, sporting director of the race, in a statement.
Steps one by one
The inaugural stage, on February 19, will turn on Faro to Albufeira, over 160 kilometers. The third category mountain count, installed at kilometer 34, should not be an obstacle for the decision to be made at the end of the journey, and it is expected that the sprinters measure forces at the goal located near Albufeira Town Hall.
The second stretch is the longest in the competition, with 196 kilometers, from Lagoa to Monchique, presenting some difficulties in the final part.
The route, with “classic” characteristics, includes two third-rate mountain prizes, the last of which is about 5 kilometers from the finish. It is a demanding run, capable of overthrowing the ambitions of some less well-advised riders, and which will force the yellow jersey favorites to position themselves well.
On the third day, the individual time trial will be held, which will link Vila do Bispo to Sagres, over a length of 13,6 kilometers.
In an individual exercise that is shorter than normal – which is more technical in the last two kilometers – it is expected that the race will be open for the following day. Still, the time trial should contribute to a selection of favorites for the final victory.
The final decisions are saved for the fourth day, when the runners travel 164,5 kilometers, between Almodôvar and Alto do Malhão, on a decisive day for climbers.
After an undulating course, the last 45 kilometers present a first pass through the final goal at kilometer 121. At 11,5 kilometers from the end, there is a novelty that will be a real “trap”.
The runners will face a third-category climb, which is just a kilometer long, but whose average incline is 13 percent.
Attacks among the favorites are expected to start right there, making the final climb to the finish line in Malhão even more exciting and selective, coinciding with a second-rate mountain count.
This day is expected to be a festive day in the region, as it is the queen stage and takes place on Saturday, which should captivate a lot of public, on the tough ramps of Malhão, which are only 2,5 kilometers long, but whose average slope is ten percent.
The Volta ao Algarve ends on the 23rd, with the connection between Tavira and Vilamoura. In a novelty in "Algarvia", the peloton will complete a final course of five laps in the Vilamoura area – each lap with an extension of 11,9 kilometers –, in a stage designed for sprinters pure and that promises to color and animate the tourist complex of Vilamoura.
Stages of the 40th Tour of the Algarve
1st step: Faro -> Albufeira – 160 km
2nd stage: Lagoa -> Monchique – 196 km
3rd stage: CRi Vila do Bispo -> Sagres – 13,6 km
4th stage: Almodôvar / Alto do Malhão – 164,5 km
5th stage: Tavira / Vilamoura – 155,8 km
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