The Volta ao Algarve has announced its route for the 2014 edition of the traditional preparation race. After having been dominated by strong time trialists in recent years, the race will next year tip the balance more towards the climbers after shifting the order of the race against the clock and the queen stage, with the time trial also being significantly shorter than it has been in the past.

The Volta ao Algarve has announced its route for its 2014 edition that will take place from February 19 to 23 on the sunny coast in the south of Portugal. The race will follow a very traditional format but has introduced a few novelties that could tip the balance of the race.

In 2013 the race was long in danger due financial difficulties and was shortened to 4 stages. This year the popular race which serves as important preparation for many riders, will be back to usual length of 4 stages.

With a time trial and the traditional uphill finish on the Alto do Malhao, the race has always suited the versatile riders. With the Malhao being a short, explosive climb and the time trial often being more than 25km, however, the list of winners has been dominated by strong time trialists.

In 2014 the climbers will have a greater chance to shine due to a number of modifications. First of all, the time trial has been shortened to just 13,6km, making it much harder for riders like defending champion Tony Martin to put time into their rivals. This is a significant change compared to the last two years where the race against the clock has been held on the same 25,8km course.

Furthermore, the time trial which has usually been held on the final day, will now come already on the third day. The queen stage to Malhao will be held one day later, meaning that the climbers now know how much time they need to take when they head up the steep slopes.

Last year the queen stage was won in dominant fashion by Sergio Henao (Sky) but Martin limited his losses sufficiently to take the overall win on the final day. Martin won the race in similar fashion in 2011 while Richie Porte stormed to a win on Malhao in 2012 and put his good TT skills on show to defend the lead against Martin and stage winner and teammate Bradley Wiggins in the final time trial.

The 2014 race will kick off with a stage for the sprinters while the second day will offer a lumpy finale with a small climb just 5km from the finish. The race ends with a stage that will again suit the fast finishers.

2014 Volta ao Algarve

Stage 1: Faro - Albufeira, 160km
Stage 2: Lagoa - Monchique, 196km
Stage 3: Vila do Bispo - Sagres, 13.6km (ITT)
Stage 4: Almodovar - Alto do Malhão (Loulé) , 164.5km
Stage 5:  Tavira - Vilamoura, 155.8km