The Portuguese Cycling Federation has developed and launched the ‘Cyclin'Portugal Algarve’ programme which aims to make the Algarve ‘the great centre for cycling competitions’ and training in Europe.
"We want to transform the Algarve into the center stage for European cycling. The weather, the terrain, the lack of road traffic, the variety of routes and the hotels on offer are some of the qualities of the region that should be seized," said the president of the Federation, Delmino Pereira, at a press conference held in Faro today in conjunction with the launch presentation of the 41st ‘Volta ao Algarve’ cycling competition.
Pereira believes that the region can be a big draw for professional cycling teams wanting to train in the off season months and also for leisure cyclists.
The Cyclin'Portugal Algarve programme begins this year with four top-level events; the 41st Volta ao Algarve (18-22 February), the Clássica Internacional Loulé Cidade Europeia do Desporto (1st March), the 25th Troféu Alpendre - Internacional do Guadiana (7-8 March) and the 7th GP Liberty Seguros - Troféu do Sudoeste e Costa Vicentina (21-22 March).
A specialist guidebook on the Algarve and its opportunities for cyclists is to be produced with information on all the relevant services in the region. This will be distributed to the each of the cycling federations in Europe and to the professional WorldTour teams.
The Secretary of State for Sport, Emídio Guerreiro, was present at the press conference, and noted that Cyclin'Portugal Algarve fits concept of sport as an economic area, which is one the government intends to develop.
"This project has great potential in the sports economy and is a starting point for something different. It is a regional example that should be used nationally," said Guerreiro.
Desiderio Silva, the Algarve Tourism boss jumped in as well, he usually does, by announcing his sudden 'committment to cycling' and desire to promote cycling and bicycle touring in the Algarve.
