A more unpredictable edition promises five competitive stages, Hot Spots and a top-level international peloton

The 52nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve will take place between February 18 and 22, covering a total of 697.41 kilometres across five stages. This year’s edition puts the focus on several innovations, and the introduction of Hot Spots designed to add early pressure and unpredictability.

A world-class peloton is confirmed, featuring 12 WorldTour teams, three ProTeams and nine Portuguese Continental teams. João Almeida returns as one of the main favourites after finishing second in 2025, whilst Juan Ayuso lines up as a rival for the first time since moving from UAE Team Emirates-XRG to Lidl-Trek, one of the strongest teams in the race. Other expected names include Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers), and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Intermarché), among other world-class peloton names.

There is also anticipation around the first appearance in Portugal of 19-year-old French talent Paul Seixas from Decathlon CMA CGM Team, regarded by many as the “next French cyclist who could win the Tour”.

The race will begin in Vila Real de Santo António with a flat opening stage and the introduction of the golden kilometre on the town’s cobbled main street, concentrating three bonus sprints into just over 1km. The second stage heads to Alto da Fóia in Monchique, featuring a new and more demanding climb, whilst the individual time trial in Vilamoura on day three offers a technical urban test over 19.5km.

Stage four runs from Albufeira to Lagos, with a final circuit that could favour sprinters but also create splits, before the race concludes with a decisive final stage from Faro to Alto do Malhão in Loulé, featuring a double ascent of the climb.

Race director Ezequiel Mosquera said the changes aim to keep the event’s identity whilst increasing competitiveness. “We aimed to make the Fóia climb more decisive, balancing the battle between climbers and time-trial specialists. The introduction of the Hot Spot adds novelty and early race dynamics in an event often decided by seconds,” he said. “In the Algarve, the spectacle is always guaranteed.”

All stages will be broadcast live on RTP2 and RTP Play in Portugal, with international coverage via Eurosport and HBO Max. In 2025, the race generated a global media impact of €36.5 million, with a direct economic impact of €8.6 million in the Algarve.

Stages overview

• Stage 1: February 18 – Vila Real de Santo António to Tavira, 185.60km, start at 10am and finish on Av. Zeca Afonso at 4.27pm
• Stage 2: February 19 – Portimão to Alto da Fóia, 157.10km, start at Av. Capitão Fernandes Leão Pacheco at 11am, finish at Alto da Fóia (Monchique) at 4.29pm
• Stage 3: February 20 – Vilamoura individual time trial, 19.5km, start at Marina Vilamoura at 1.10pm, and finish at Av. Eng. João Meireles.
• Stage 4: February 21 – Albufeira to Lagos, 182.10km, start at Av. Dos Descobrimentos Albufeira, and finish at Av. Dos Descobrimentos Lagos at 4.29pm.
• Stage 5: February 22 – Faro to Alto do Malhão, 153.10km, start at 11am on Largo da Sé, Faro, and finish on Alto do Malhão at 4.29pm

Volta ao Algarve once again promises top-level racing and strong international exposure for the region.

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