Cycling fans will be able to see the Volta ao Algarve again on Eurosport's screens, in 2019. The channel broadcasts the 45th edition of “Algarvia”, one of the most important pre-season races on the world calendar and also one of the most important national territory.
The debut of Volta ao Algarve on Eurosport 1 allows the potential audience to grow from 88 to 148 million homes, a number much higher than last year.
In addition to the great sporting spectacle, the broadcast enhances the dissemination of the Algarve region around the world. The first two stages will be broadcast live on Eurosport 1, between 15:45 and 17:15. The remaining shots will be broadcast at the same time on Eurosport 2, but will be repeated in prime time on Eurosport 1 at 20:30.
The Volta ao Algarve will have five stages and a total of 778,6 kilometers. The squad will have about 168 cyclists, of which 50 are nationals, representing 24 teams.
Some of the biggest world stars in the sport will be present. Among the participating teams are 12 of the 18 in the WorldTour. W52-FC Porto, recently promoted to the Continental Professional category, the second division of international cycling, has also confirmed its presence in the Portuguese race, as well as the formation of Sporting CP-Tavira.
Among the winners of the Volta ao Algarve are the Portuguese Joaquim Gomes, Vítor Gamito, Cândido Barbosa and Hugo Sabido and the foreigners Tony Martin, Michal Kwiatkowski, Geraint Thomas, Primoz Roglic or Alberto Contador.
In 2018, the Polish Michal Kwiatkowski (Sky) was crowned champion of this race considered by many to be one of the most important and prestigious of the velocipedic pre-season.
In addition to the “Algarvia”, cycling fans will also be able to follow the 65th edition of the Volta à Andalusia or Ruta del Sol (Rota do Sol) on Eurosport screens, as this event is also known, which brings together some of the best cyclists of the international squad . Many seek to gain pace to meet the demands of the most important races of the season.
In just five stages, totaling about 700 kilometers, the peloton will have to go through various types of scenarios with snowy mountains, beaches and lots of sun, or if this was not the race named after its coastline, known as Costa del Sol.
In the last ten editions, victory has smiled on Spanish cyclists on six occasions with one to stand out: Alejandro Valverde. The Movistar veteran (38 years old) was champion on five occasions (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017) and is the record holder. Last year, Belgian Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) won.
Check the channel's weekly schedule at www.eurosport.pt.
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