The organizers of the Volta ao Algarve (February 18-22) have confirmed a course that will have a bit for everyone. With a time trial and the traditional summit finish on the Alto do Malhao, the winner will be a complete rider.
The first and last stage will suit the sprinters. The favorites for the final victory will have their first test on the second day, with a small climb (4.6 km/7.6%) just six kilometers from the finish.
The time trial comes on the third day of the race and will be held over 18.2km in flat terrain. The penultimate stage is the queen stage and will include the traditional summit finish on the Alto do Malhao (2.6 km/9.6%) which will be passed twice.
Route:
Stage 1: Lagos - Albufeira, 168km
Stage 2: Lagoon - Monchique, 192km
Stage 3: Vila do Bispo - Cape St. Vincent, 18.2km ITT
Stage 4: Tavira - Malhão, 212km
Stage 5: Almodovar - Vilamoura, 178km
Sky, Ettix-Quick Step, Cannondale-Garmin, Lotto-Soudal, Katusha, Astana and Caja Rural-Seguros RGA have all received invitations and will be joined by several Portuguese continental teams.
In 2014, Michal Kwiatkowski beat Alberto Contador and Rui Costa; Tony Martin won in 2013 and 2011; Richie Porte took the victory in 2012 and Contador was the best in 2009 and 2010.
08.05: Navarra Women's Elite classic |
09.05: Circuit de Wallonie |
11.05: Tour du Finistère |
11.05: GP de la Ville d'Oran |
11.05: Silesian Classic |
11.05: Jelajah Cycling Series Surakarta |
08.05 - 12.05: Tour de Hongrie |
08.05 - 12.05: Flèche du Sud |
09.05 - 12.05: Vuelta a Catamarca Internacion... |
10.05 - 12.05: Tour de Kumano |
Jan DEUTSCHMANN 45 years | today |
Matthias WIENEROITHER 33 years | today |
Maikel BOS 30 years | today |
Marius Alexandru ILIE 35 years | today |
Aroa GOROSTIZA NICOLE ULLOA 25 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com