The 45th edition of the Volta ao Algarve cycling race, between 20 and 24 February 2019, again will take the classic course in five stages.
The Portuguese 2.HC race, the highest level on the Europe Tour circuit, is to start in Portimão with this first stage finishing in Lagos – the long way around, some 199 kilometres.
The second stage begins in Almodôvar and ends at the Algarve’s highest point, Fóia in Monchique. This stage is a mere 187.4 kilometres.
The third stage will be an individual time test over 20.3 kilometers, with the start and finish in Lagoa.
On day four, the cyclists will set off from Albufeira and, 198 kilometres later, will finish in Tavira.
As is traditional, the Volta ao Algarve racing ends at the top of Malhão, in the municipality of Loulé. This final stage is a gentle 173 kilometres, starting from Faro with one climb of 2.5 kilometres tackling a slope averaging a 10% incline.
This is a major sporting event for the region with thousands of spectators at the roadside and national TV coverage showing the Algarve’s countryside to a wide audience.
Stages
February 20 – 1st Stage: Portimão – Lagos, 199,1 km
February 21 – 2nd Stage: Almodôvar – Fóia, 187,4 km
February 22 – 3rd Stage: Lagoa – Lagoa, 20,3 km (ITT)
February 23 – 4th Stage: Albufeira – Tavira, 198,3 km
February 24 – 5th Etapa: Faro – Malhão, 173,5 km
Previous winners of the Volta ao Algarve
2018 – Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky)
2017 – Primoz Roglic (Team Lotto NL-Jumbo)
2016 – Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)
2015 – Geraint Thomas (Team Sky)
2014 – Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-QuickStep)
2013 – Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-QuickStep)
2012 – Richie Porte (Sky)
2011 – Tony Martin (HTC-Highroad)
2010 – Alberto Contador (Astana)
2009 – Alberto Contador (Astana)
See: Volta ao Algarve
