The Volta Algarve 2019 action begins today with the opening stage and longest at 199km and 2500m of climbing not the easiest way to start your season on the roads of Portugal. The first stage of this superb week is often one for the super-fast sprinters of professional cycling as the stage route weaves its way between two of the Algarve’s most popular summer holiday destinations Portimao and Lagos.
It’s also our first opportunity to catch up with all the stars of the peloton in 2019 at the stage start in Portimao before your first taste of this amazing cycling destination as we explore inland and the natural beauty of cycling in the Algarve. With a choice of tailored rides on offer from the Practice Bicycle team pick the ideal ride for you to catch the peloton live from the roadside on the great roads of the sunny Algarve.

Today the Volta Algarve stage race hots up in more ways than one with a route into the Serra de Monchique and the highest point of the Algarve at the summit of Foia (900m). Included in the stage route are several very steep inclines, hidden amongst the pine forests, with this terrain expect the peloton to split up and the general classification and potential winners to show their climbing form at the summit of Foia.
This is going to test early season legs with 3 Category Climbs and 3600m of ascent during the stage route and after a super-fast day yesterday this contrast will shake up the General Classification! This morning take on one or several climbs as we explore this fantastic mountain range to watch the race action live. With a great network of roads we can tailor this ride route perfectly and expect to be amazed not only by a fantastic day in the saddle but also the amazing panoramic views on offer throughout the day.
These roads are ideal for building not only big legs but also a big appetite; we have one of our favourite hearty mountain restaurants available to you for a lunch stop today!

Today is the “Race of Truth” the Time Trial stage for the professionals; it may not be very long at 20.3km although after yesterday’s difficult day of climbing this stage could have a big impact on the overall standings. With this variety of different stages during the week it’s another reason why a visit to the Volta Algarve stage race is more interesting than many race viewing occasions and it’s not only about blue skies and fun in the sun in February!
The TT for 2019 is a technical route; it could spring a surprise or two for those who don’t checkout this critical short stage at the Volta. With our legs tested on the Serra Monchique yesterday we may need a more relaxing day with a flat day in the saddle and what could be a better excuse than watching the world’s best riders against the watch in full flight on the wonderful roads of the Algarve coast.

With the 2018 Volta ao Algarve general classification starting to take shape after the time trial, the fast finishers get a chance to show their sprinting legs once again with a bunch sprint on the streets of the town of Tavira. The stage route takes the peloton from Albufeira before a big loop north over a difficult route with over 2800m of climbing before returning to the finish line back on the coast.
Enjoy a choice of comfortable or challenging routes as we work our way across the Algarve, using hidden roads great for cycling and surrounded by nature before the perfect café appears in time for a well-deserved stop. It won’t be long before the speeding peloton arrives and we can be amazed at the speed of the best professional cyclists in February on the amazing cycling roads of the Algarve.

Our final Algarve cycling adventure together today will trace the picturesque landscape passing row after row of citrus trees, this area is renowned for some of the best tasting oranges in the world as we join the race action in the Serra do Caldeirao mountains. With a great variety of rides on offer throughout the week make the most of this final opportunity in the Algarve and enjoy every pedal stroke.
This gripping Volta Algarve race maybe decided on the final slopes of Malhao (508m) climb, with 2 assents of this short but difficult climb coming at the end of 5 days of hard fought racing. Many of cycling’s very best stage race riders have shown their early season form at the Volta Algarve each year, expect to see one of the best stage race riders take the title in 2019 for a fitting finale to a memorable week of cycling together.
This evening we will transfer you to Faro Airport for your onward travels from Portugal.