Volta ao Algarve Bike Tour Portugal

Hot bike race action on the great cycling roads of Portugal

This superb race in the sun the Volta ao Algarve as become an important early season race for the best professional cyclists in the world.  Visit Portugal and enjoy all the spectacle of this fantastic race route in the Algarve an event not to be missed.  Portugal took the victory in 2021 with João Rodrigues (W52-FC Porto) from the rising British star Ethan Hayter (Ineos Grenadiers), and experienced Kasper Asgreen (Deceuninck-Quick Step) the third step on the podium.
Grand tour winners are choosing these great roads to start their cycling season join them in 2022.  Watch the World Tour teams including; Astana Qazaqstan Team, Bora-hansgrohe, Cofidis, Groupama-FDJ, INEOS Grenadiers, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team, Team Jumbo-Visma, Trek-Segafredo and UAE Team Emirates.
In addition teams from; France, Belgium and Portugal make this a truly International event and the perfect place to be this February for great cycling and action in the sun of southern Portugal.

This premium bike tour brings you up close and personal at the Volta ao Algarve race with our “unique viewing spots” only achievable from the experienced Algarve based bike tour team. Enjoy an amazing variety of tailored rides, fully guided among breathtaking scenery in the natural Algarve, Portugal. This proven Practice Bicycle formula of the ideal balance between quality rides, race viewing and relaxing is enjoyed by all our discerning bike riders and non-cycling guests.

Volta ao Algarve

Escape to Portugal in February and be motivated among the hot race action in the Algarve.  Stars of the future and present show why they are world class on the roads of southern Portugal. A fantastic week of cycling and variety of race viewing with a combination of sprint stages, mountain summits and a Time Trial seeing the best stage race riders fighting for the overall classification on the challenging roads of the Algarve!

Can’t get enough of Professional Bike Race Action?

Bike Race ToursWe also offer the spectacle of the Criterium du Dauphine in the French Alps each June.  See the stars of cycling in their final lead up race before the Tour de France.

View Criterium du Dauphine Tour
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Fully Guided question mark-01

Experienced Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Cycling Level question mark-01

Flexible – 40km/25mi – 120km/74mi
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 40km,75km or 100km

Packages question mark-01

Rides Only:
Without Accommodation $1689 per person
Premium Tour:
3* Hotel Accommodation $1935 per person
4* Hotel Accommodation $2022 per person

One Hotel Cycling

Portimao, Portugal

Dates

15 – 20 Feb 2022

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $233
Bike hire – $400
Half board – $215
Non-cycling partner – $1809

Non-cycling partner?

That’s ok, we cater to non-cyclists too!

The perfect tour packages for the Non-Cyclist to join their cycling wife/husband/partner at the Volta ao Algarve Bike Race Tour. With your preference to be less energetic, enjoy the sights of this Algarve International race spectacle from the comfort of the support vehicle or should you prefer a rest from the race action, relax by the beach. Share the most famous secret of Europe, the Algarve coast and the mountains of the Sierra Monchique come and relax Algarvian style!

Thanks so much for a wonderful week at the Volta Algarve Tour! It's been hard to return to work with images of bikes, fish, orange trees, and the ocean in our mind 🙂
We loved the starts and finishes of the stages with our VIP up-close access, were thrilled by the sight of the riders passing, savoured our most delightful coffee and lunch stops. That gorgeous lunch in Monchique stands out as a highlight!
I know now why David considers his previous trip with you to the Tour de France in Annecy as such a special memory - the care and thought that you put into our journey made it an extraordinary experience.
Testimonial by P & D & Gorden - USA
P & D & Gorden - USA

Dates

Premium
2023
  • 01 February — 28 February Enquire
Rides Only

Volta Algarve Itinerary

Don’t miss out on great cycling and Portugal race action reserve your place today.

Day 1

Tuesday Feb 15th - Arrival Day at Volta Algarve
ARRIVAL TIME: Afternoon
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 40km (25mi)
Ascent 200m (700ft)
Route Rocha Praia Mar
Inclusions: Faro Airport (Portugal) Transfer

Arrival Day in the Algarve and Welcome to Portugal and the Volta Algarve! With the race action starting tomorrow, enjoy a relaxing day at the Hotel and should time permit, turn the legs with your first ride on the roads of the Algarve and the amazing spectacle of this unique coastline of rocks, beaches, and sea.

Day 2

Wednesday Feb 16th - View Volta Algarve Stage 1: PORTIMÃO - LAGOS - 199.1 km
*Planned Ride Options:
Distance 55km – 105km (34mi – 65mi)
Ascent 550m – 1150m (1800ft – 3800ft)
Route Marmelete
View Volta Algarve Stage Start + KOM/Feed Zone

The Volta Algarve action begins today with the opening stage of 199.1km and 2510m 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 is also our first opportunity to catch up with all the stars of the peloton at the stage start 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 distance for you to catch the peloton live from the roadside on the great roads of the sunny Algarve.

Day 3

Thursday Feb 17th - View Volta Algarve Stage 2: ALBUFEIRA - ALTO DA FOIA, MONCHIQUE – 182,4 km
*Planned Ride Options:
Distance 65km – 120km (40mi – 75mi)
Ascent 700m – 1800m (2300ft – 5900ft)
Route Pomba
View Volta Algarve Stage KOM + KOM/Finish
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 finish line 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 4100m of ascent during the stage route very similar to an Alpine stage in the Tour de France. After yesterdays big day this will certainly shake up the General Classification at this years Volta! This morning enjoy 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.

Day 4

Friday February 18th – View Volta Algarve Stage 3: ALMODÔVAR - FARO – 209,1 km
*Planned Ride Options:
Distance 57km – 120km (35mi – 74mi)
Ascent 430m – 830m (1400ft – 2700ft)
Route Alcoutim
View Volta Algarve Stage Sprint/KOM
With the 2022 Volta ao Algarve general classification starting to take shape after yesterday’s finish at Foia, the fast finishers get a chance to show their sprinting legs once again with a bunch sprint expected on the streets of Faro the capital of the Algarve. Starting in the town of Almodovar in the neighbouring region of Alentejo, the stage route takes the peloton on a big loop over to the border with Spain, no stages are comfortable in this early season race with 2800m of climbing on this undulating route before the finish line on the south coast of the Algarve.
We will transfer by vehicle this morning and start our riding adventures on the roads of the Eastern side of the Algarve. Enjoy a comfortable or challenging route as we work our way across the Algarve and along the border with Spain, 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 on the amazing roads of the Algarve.

Day 5

Saturday February 19th - View Volta Algarve Stage 4: VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO - TAVIRA – 32,2 km (ITT)
*Planned Ride Options:
Distance 54km (33mi)
Ascent 400m (1300ft)
Route Tavira
View Volta Algarve Stage Individual Time Trial
Today is the “Race of Truth” the Time Trial stage for the professionals, it will be the most decisive 32.2km of the Volta and could decide the winner. With a variety of different stage viewing opportunities during the week it makes a visit to the Volta Algarve race great value for all bike race fans and it is not only about the big blue skies and fun in the sun!
The Individual Time Trial for 2022 is a new and traditional format on a straight place-to-place route; it could spring a surprise with the 32.2km distance allowing for specialists to take valuable time on their opponents. With our legs tested throughout the week we may need a more relaxing day with a recovery day or 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.

Day 6

Sunday February 20th - View Volta Algarve Stage 5: LAGOA - ALTO DO MALHÃO – 173 km + Departure Day
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 55km – 110km (34mi – 68mi)
Ascent 350m – 1050m (1100ft – 3400ft)
Route Malhao
View Volta Algarve Stage KOM + Faro Airport Transfer

Our final cycling adventure together today will trace the picturesque Algarve 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 enjoy these roads every pedal stroke as we head towards the race action.
This gripping Volta Algarve race maybe decided on the slopes of Malhao (508m) climb, with this short but difficult climb making for hard fought racing. Many of cycling’s absolute best stage race riders have shown their form at the Volta Algarve each year, expect to see one of them to take the honours at the summit of Malhao. This is the perfect end to a great week of cycling in the sunny Algarve, this evening we will say goodbye and transfer you to Faro Airport for your onward travels from Portugal.
*As with all the Practice Bicycle planned rides you always have the option of taking it easy and enjoying the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace.

I have already booked accommodation for the Volta Algarve - is the Rides Only package for me?

Absolutely! Look for our Rides Only package (16 – 20 Feb)  to get on this tour without any add-ons or included hotel accommodation.

Each day join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient meeting point in Portimao, just like you would for a ride back home.  Fully escorted and supported to the best viewing locations to catch the Volta Algarve stage race action live, including your own opportunities to ride and discover this amazing cycling destination.

Is this trip challenging enough for me?

We love a challenge as much as we love cycling. The team at PB Tours has a history in professional bike racing and coaching, so if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can definitely find just the right rides for you during the Volta ao Algarve.

If you are looking for a great week of challenging rides to improve your cycling, then consider our Challenging Bike Tours category and Portugal training camps.

Where will I be staying at the Volta ao Algarve?

With our Volta ao Algarve bike race tour package we offer quality accommodation at Praia da Rocha, the ideal location to relax after all the riding and race action each day.
Depending on availability, we suggest the Tivoli Marina Portimao Resort. These are quality studios within a nautical complex on the River Arade and a short 400m walk to the Beach and Restaurants. If you love beachside the luxury accommodation of the 4* Jupiter Algarve Hotel and Jupiter Marina Hotel is perfect for a couples stay. Something simple, modern close to all shops and restaurants in the town centre of Portimao we love the 3* Whe Hotel.

Tivoli Marina Portimao Algarve Resort 4 Star          Jupiter Algarve Hotel 4 Star Praia da Rocha          Jupiter Marina Hotel Couples & Spa          WHE Hotel Portimao Algarve

Am I fit enough for this trip?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are new to the bike, cycling in the Algarve is amazing, if you’re also a fan of professional bike racing, this trip is for you!
Each cycling route during your Volta Algarve bike tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, so pick which ride distance is ideal for you to catch up with all the race action on the sunny roads of the Algarve this February.

What rides will I do?

On each of our bike race tours we tailor the daily rides to the riders ability, including actual parts of the stage routes.
Practice Bicycle has developed 70+ routes in Algarve for riders of all levels. To get an idea of what sort of rides you will be doing, take a look at the itinerary above.

Do you have a Non Cycling package to the Volta ao Algarve?

We have the ideal package for any fan of world class cycling who does not wish to ride and prefers to spectate during our Volta ao Algarve bike tour. The perfect solution for a non cycling wife/husband/partner to accompany the bike tour rider on their spectacular Volta cycling holiday whilst in the Algarve, Portugal.

As a Non Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement and action up close and personal of the Volta Algarve bike race live. Our local support team will share with you culture and villages on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘Unique live viewing spots’ and cafe stops on each day.

Why do you stay in one location for the Volta bike race tour?

‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brainchild of Bridget (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven PB cycling philosophy of one location.  Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.

Packing and Unpacking each day was tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the destination before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best destinations to Practice Bicycle, including the joy of endless ride routes exploring in every possible direction from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!

Is bike hire available with this tour?

For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Volta ao Algarve bike race tour.

Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution.
Depending on availability and size we have several brands available including Focus, Sensa and Giant, KTM carbon road bikes are recent models with Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.

Focus Izalco Max Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50, 34 x 11-29          Sensa Guilia Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50, 34 x 11-29          Giant TCR 2 Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50, 34 x 11-30          KTM Revelator Ultegra Disc Carbon Shimano 11s Hydraulic Disc Brakes 50, 34 x 11-28 Mavic Wheels

How do I get to Portugal and the Volta ao Algarve?

The destination for your Volta ao Algarve bike race tour is the town of  Portimao / Praia da Rocha.
The closest airport is Faro Airport (Portugal) situated in the south of Portugal and serviced by many low cost European airlines including Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2.com.
Shuttle transfer services operate between the airport and Portimao / Praia da Rocha.

For international guests arriving in Lisbon (Portugal) you have a choice of connecting flights to Faro Airport or alternatively public transport train or coach service to Portimao, in addition amazing value car rental companies are also available with all of these options allow for a 3hr travel time.

Premium Volta ao Algarve bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights of quality 3* or 4* Hotel Accommodation
  • 5 Buffet Breakfasts to fuel up for a day of action
  • 5 superb fully guided rides, with a choice of distance tailored for your enjoyment throughout the tour
  • Cafe stops facilitated during each action packed Volta Algarve stage.
  • Unique, contrasting and spectacular live viewing of the Volta Algarve
  • Support team & vehicle for all rides offering mechanical assistance, sports drinks & nutritional bars
  • Transfers from Faro International Airport (Portugal) to your accommodation arrival / departure days

Volta ao Algarve Tour Highlights:

  • Get close to your favourite superstars of professional cycling in a relaxed environment
  • Europe’s hidden cycling secret, the Algarve ‘Rocha Praia Mar’ – cliffs, beaches, ocean
  • Get your cycling season off to a flying start with miles in the sun!
  • Spectacular rides of the natural Algarve including actual race routes
  • Insight to stage race action live from the roadside each day with stage starts, sprint finishes, mountain action, time trial power.
  • Amazing value, friendly Portugal, superb cycling & great local food!
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