The organizers of the Volta ao Algarve have granted the last invitations to their event which will be held from February 15 to 19. Cofidis, Sky and Roompot got the last spots.

The organizers claim to have been forced to reject the applications from a number of teams as there was only room for 24 in the race which has been moved to the 2.HC category for 2017. 11 of those will be from the WorldTour.

Geraint Thomas won the 2016 edition of the race which is usually an important preparation for the classics and later stage races.

Teams

WorldTour: Astana (KAZ), Bora-hansgrohe (GER) Cannondale-Drapac (USA), Dimension Data (RSA), FDJ (FRA), Katusha-Alpecin (SUI), LottoNL-Jumbo (NED), Lotto Soudal (BEL ), Movistar (ESP), Quick-Step Floors (BEL) and Team Sky (GBR).

Professional Continental: Caja Rural-Seguros RGA (ESP), Cofidis (FRA), Gazprom-RusVelo (RUS), Manzana Postobón (COL) Roompot-Nederlandse Loterij (NED) and Wanty Group Gobert (BEL)

Continental: Efapel, LA Alumínios-Metalusa, Louletano-Hospital de Loulé, RP-Boavista, Sporting Tavira and W52-FC Porto (POR) and Rally Cycling  (USA)

The course

February 15, Stage 1, Albufeira - Lagos, 180.3km 
February 16, Stage 2, Lagoa- Fóia (Monchique), 189.3km 
February 17, Stage 3, Sagres - Sagres (ITT), 18km 
February 18, Stage 4, Almodôvar - Tavira , 203.4km 
February 19, Stage 5, Loulé- Malhão, 179.2km