Hot action on the 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. Visiting Portugal with quality racing and spectacular race routes make it an event not to be missed.  With the rising star Belgian Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) winning in 2020 Volta only adding to the rising stars who have enjoyed victory in the Algarve.  Grand tour winners are choosing these great roads to start their cycling season join them in 2021.  Watch the World Tour teams including; Astana Pro Team, Bora-hansgrohe, CCC Team, Deceuninck-Quick Step, Groupama-FDJ, Lotto Soudal, UAE Team Emirates, Team Sunweb, US Trek-Segafredo and for the first time Israel Start-Up Nation.
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.

2021 Volta ao Algarve

Escape the cold and be motivated among the hot race action in the Algarve this February.  Stars of the future and present show why they are world class on the roads of southern Portugal. The teams and riders are yet to be finalized along with the race route,  expect a great week of cycling 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?

Classic 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

Activity Level question mark-01

Flexible – from 40 km/day to 100 km/day
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 50km.75km or 100km (Unique in the industry for a Bike Race Tour)

Available Packages question mark-01

Gold: 4* Marina Resort Accommodation,
$1867 per person
Silver: 3* Hotel Accommodation,
$1617 per person
Rides Only: 5 Volta rides No Accommodation
$1344 per person

One Hotel Cycling

Portimao, Portugal

Dates

16 – 21 February 2021

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Small Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $417
Bike hire – $400
Half board – $240
Non-cycling partner – $1696

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 in February. 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
2021
  • 16 February — 21 February Enquire
Rides Only
2021
  • 17 February — 21 February Enquire

Itinerary

Don’t miss out in February 2021 enquire above to reserve your place.

Day 1

Tuesday February 18th - Arrival Day
ARRIVAL TIME: Afternoon
Distance 40km Ascent 200m route Rocha Praia Mar
INCLUSIONS: Faro Airport (Portugal) Transfer, Welcome Drinks & Dinner

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. This evening join us for drinks and dinner overlooking the stunning coastline of Portugal.

Day 2

Wednesday February 19th - View Volta Algarve Stage 1: Portimão – Lagos, 195,6 km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 105km Ascent 1150m route Romeiras
Distance 80km Ascent 660m route Benafim
Distance 55km Ascent 550m route Silves
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage Start + Sprint/Feed

The Volta Algarve 2020 action begins today with the opening stage of 195km 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 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.

Day 3

Thursday February 20th - View Volta Algarve Stage 2: Sagres – Fóia, 183,9 km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 120km Ascent 1800m route Alferce
Distance 80km Ascent 1200m route Foia
Distance 65km Ascent 700m route Monchique
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage 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 3600m of ascent during the stage route and after a super-fast day yesterday this contrast will shake up the General Classification! 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.
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!

Day 4

Friday February 21st - View Volta Algarve Stage 3: Lagoa – Lagoa - 20.3 km (ITT)
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 130km Ascent 1050m route Barranco do Velho
Distance 90km Ascent 550m route Paderne
Distance 60km Ascent 460m route Albufeira
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage Sprint/KOM
With the 2020 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 on the streets of the town of Tavira. The stage route takes the peloton from Faro the capital of the Algarve 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.

Day 5

Saturday February 22nd - View Volta Algarve Stage 4: Albufeira – Malhão - 169.7km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 110km Ascent 1050m route Malhao
Distance 90km Ascent 600m route Picota
Distance 55km Ascent 350m route Barrosas
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Faro Airport Transfer, View Volta Algarve Stage KOM + Finish

Our 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 2 assents of this short but difficult climb making for 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 honours at the summit of Malhao.

Day 6

Sunday February 23rd - View Volta Algarve Stage 5: Lagoa – Lagoa, 20,3 km (ITT) + Departure Day
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 80km Ascent 675m route Messines
Distance 45km Ascent 350m route Lagoa
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve TimeTrial

Today is the “Race of Truth” the Time Trial stage for the professionals; and with this year’s new race format ending with the TT, it will be the most decisive 20.3km of the 2020 Volta and could decide the winner making for a fitting finale to a memorable week of cycling together. With a 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 2020 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 throughout the week 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. The perfect end to a great week of cycling in February in the sunny Algarve

This evening we will transfer you to Faro Airport for your onward travels from Portugal
*As with all the PRACTICEBICYCLE 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.

Is this trip challenging enough for me?

We love a challenge as much as we love cycling. The team at Practice Bicycle 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 including professional coaching advice during your cycling vacation, then consider our winter and summer training camps.

Where will I be staying?

With our Volta ao Algarve Bike Race Tour package we offer a selection of accommodation at Portimao and Praia da Rocha, the ideal location to relax after all the riding and race action each day.
Take a look at the choice of handpicked 4* accommodation including, 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. Hotel Oriental a unique, charming Hotel situated on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively 3* Hotel Globo Portimao accommodation in the center of Portimao, close to shops and restaurants.

Hotel Globo 3 Star Centre Portimao Algarve          Tivoli Marina Portimao Algarve Resort 4 Star          Hotel Oriental 4 Star Praia da Rocha Algarve

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

Our bike race tours are full of race viewing, riding and relaxing if you still have energy to spare then Portugal and the Algarve has many fabulous secrets from its famous Porches Pottery to the best Oranges in the world, they have to be eaten to be believed!

Here is just a small selection of what awaits you off the bike when visiting the Algarve: Amazing beaches for the perfect stroll, Spa treatments of the Ocean and Mountains, Shopping favourites Cotton and Linen, Leather products handbags and shoes, Wine tasting and Great local Restaurants and last but not least the Sierra Monchique mountains and many traditional white washed towns and villages.

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

Absolutely! Look for our Rides Only package (17 – 21 Feb)  to get on this tour without any add-ons or 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 winter cycling destination.

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.

What activities, tours will the Non Cycling Partner do whilst I'm on my bike?

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 stage.

Why do you stay in one location, is there enough to see?

‘Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brain child of Bridget Evans (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven Practice Bicycle 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 place before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride options exploring in every direction  from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday!

Your Volta ao Algarve bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights 3* or 4* Hotel or Resort Accommodation
  • 5 Buffet Breakfasts to fuel up for a day of action
  • Welcome to the Volta ao Algarve Dinner with the best flavours of Portugal
  • 5 superb fully guided rides, with a choice of distance tailored for your enjoyment throughout the tour
  • Cafe or Lunch 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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