The 49th edition of the Volta ao Algarve by bicycle will take place from the 15th to the 19th of February. The peloton has 12 “WorldTeams” teams, the highest level, and the competition will start in Portimão and end with a time trial in Lagoa.
In total, cyclists will run 795 kilometers, in a total of five stages.
«The temperate climate of the Algarve in February, the variety of the route and the demand, with a total accumulated climb of the five stages of 14600 meters, make the Volta ao Algarve the first clash of titans of the international peloton in each season», says the Portuguese Cycling Federation.
In 2023, Portimão will once again host the big match of the Volta ao Algarve. The first stage departs from the city of Portimonense and takes the peloton along a 200,2 kilometer route to finish in Lagos, which will consecrate the first yellow jersey of the race.
The second stage will be the first test of the condition of the candidates for the final triumph. The squad of 25 teams departs from Sagres, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, for a journey of 189,4 kilometres, which will end at the highest point in the Algarve, Fóia, in the municipality of Monchique.
The target coincides with a first-class mountain award (7,5 km of ascent with an average gradient of 6 percent). 6 kilometers from the foot of Fóia is the second category mountain premium, installed in Pomba (3,6 km with an average slope of 8,2 percent).
On the third day, it is expected that the sprinters will once again gain prominence in the longest stage of the competition, 203,1 kilometers, starting from Faro and arrival in Tavira.
The fourth stage, on Saturday, February 18th, will certainly change the general classification.
The runners will depart from Albufeira to complete 177,9 kilometers to Alto do Malhão, in the municipality of Loulé. The target coincides with a second-rate mountain count (2,6 km at 9,2 percent). It will be the third climb in the last 40 kilometers. With 37,6 kilometers to go, it will be necessary to pass the Alte climb (2,2 km at 7,7 percent). 24 kilometers from the finish line, the first pass through Malhão takes place. As the time trial is saved for the last day, it is expected that the climbers and their teams will attack this final phase to try to distance themselves from the time trials.
The winner will be crowned in Lagoa, on the 19th. The final score will be settled in a 24,4 kilometer time trial, which takes advantage of part of the traditional Lagoa time trial, but which adds kilometers and physical and technical difficulty.
Promoting balance between time trialists and other competitors, bonuses are back in the online stages.
Route
15th of February – 1st Stage: Portimão – Lagos, 200,2 km
February 16 – 2nd Stage: Sagres – Alto da Fóia, 189,4 km
February 17th – 3th Stage: Faro – Tavira, 203,1 km
February 18 – 4th Stage: Albufeira – Alto do Malhão, 177,9 km
19 February – 5th Stage: Lagoa – Lagoa, 24,4 km (individual time trial)
Participating Teams
WorldTeams
Alpecin Deceuninck (BEL)
BORA-hansgrohe (GER)
EF Education-EasyPost (US)
Groupama-FDJ (FRA)
INEOS Grenadiers (GBR)
Intermarché-Circus-Wanty (BEL)
Jumbo-Visma (NED)
Soudal Quick-Step (BEL)
Team Arkéa-Samsic (FRA)
Team DSM (NED)
Trek-Segafredo (USA)
UAE Team Emirates (UAE)
ProTeams
Caja Rural-Seguros RGA (ESP)
Human Powered Health (USA)
Tudor Pro Cycling Team (SUI)
Uno-X Pro Cycling Team (NOR)
Continentals
ABTF Betão-Feirense (POR)
AP Hotels & Resorts-Tavira (POR)
Aviludo-Louletano-Loulé Municipality (POR)
Credibom-LA Alumínios-Marcos Car (POR)
Efapel Cycling (POR)
Glassdrive-Q8-Anicolor (ENG)
Kelly-Simoldes-UDO (POR)
Popular Radio-Paredes-Boavista (POR)
Tavfer-Ovos Matinados-Mortágua (POR)
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