Volta ao Algarve 2026
18.02-22.02
The Volta ao Algarve runs from 18 to 22 February 2026, covering 697.4 kilometres over five stages in southern Portugal. The 52nd edition blends coastal sprint chances with tougher inland finishes and a decisive individual time trial. Jonas Vingegaard won overall last year after seizing control later in the week, and Alto do Malhão again looks set to shape the general classification.
How to watch?
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The route
The 2026 Volta ao Algarve gets underway in Vila Real de Santo António, with stage one tracing the coastline to Tavira for a 185.6 kilometre opener that should suit the sprinters.
Day two shifts the focus to the hills, sending the race from Portimão to Fóia in the Serra de Monchique. At 157.1 kilometres and finishing at the highest point in the region, it is the first day that can put real shape into the general classification.
Stage three is a 19.5 kilometre individual time trial in Vilamoura, a pure race against the clock where the strongest testers can carve out time before the weekend. The sprinters then come back into view on stage four, a 182.1 kilometre trip from Albufeira to Lagos that mixes rolling roads with a finish made for high speed.
The final stage begins in Faro and turns inland towards Alto do Malhão. Across 153.1 kilometres it builds to a steep summit finish where the climbers and overall contenders are expected to settle the race.
The favourites
The start list should give the race an edge from day one. João Almeida lines up in his home country with a route that suits him. Former teammate Juan Ayuso might be his biggest challenger, but Derek Gee-West, Florian Lipowitz and Richard Carapaz should also be rated highly.
The time trial also puts a spotlight on Filippo Ganna, and the flatter stages should keep the sprinters interested, with names like Arnaud De Lie and Paul Magnier likely to feature.
