The race to start a great season of European races

This year 25 of the best teams in cycling will take part in this superb race in the sun Volta ao Algarve, including a select group of World Tour teams.  In 2017 it was Lotto NL-Jumbo (NED) who took the honors from Team Sky (GBR) and broke their run of winning this notable stage race.  They will both have strong opposition from; Trek-Segafredo (USA), Astana (KAZ), Bora-hansgrohe (GER), Cannondale-Drapac (USA), Dimension Data (RSA), FDJ (FRA), Katusha-Alpecin (SUI), , Lotto Soudal (BEL), Movistar (ESP) and Quick-Step Floors (BEL).
In addition teams from; Russia, Colombia and Portugal make this a truly International event, come and see for yourself how the best in the business are travelling this February.

This premium bike tour brings you up close and personal with live viewing of the Volta ao Algarve race with our “unique viewing spots” only achievable from the experienced Algarve based bike tour team. Each day will also include the very best bike rides in the world, fully guided and tailored amongst breathtaking scenery in the 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.

2018 Volta ao Algarve

2017 was an exciting race won by rising stage race star Slovenian Primoz Roglic (Team Lotto NL-Jumbo) who fought of Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) all the way to the final stage finish line on the top of Malhão for a great Volta ao Algarve victory. Each stage had a superb variety of routes with sprint stage victories to Colombian Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors) & André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) a regular visitor to the Algarve,  a Time Trial win by Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar Team) and Mountain summit victories to Irishman Dan Martin (Quick-Step Floors) and Amaro Antunes (W52-FC Porto) all superb victories and classic racing early season in the Algarve. At the 2018 Volta ao Algarve expect to see the best stage race riders fighting for the overall classification on the challenging roads of the Algarve!

Can’t get enough of cycling the Algarve?

Classic ToursWe also offer our classic Algarve bike trips before and after the Volta ao Algarve. Why not extend your holiday and turn it into the cycling trip of a lifetime?

View Algarve Trip
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Bike Race Tour

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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)

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Bronze: Rides only, $1215 per person
Silver: Tivoli Marina Portimao 4* Resort, $1847 per person
Gold: Hotel Jupiter Algarve 4*, $2117 per person

Dates

13 – 19 February 2018

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Group Size

4 to 8 people

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Single room – $300
Bike hire – $300
Non-cycling partner – $1650

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!

The broom wagon has driven past after the final stage, of the Volta ao Algarve, Portugal, and the bikes and teams have moved on to their next race. Len and I have again had the time of our lives with Paul and Bridget from Practice Bicycle Tours. Until next time, thanks for a great week of cycling and watching cycle racing.
Testimonial by L & A Roberts
L & A Roberts

Dates

2018
  • 13 February — 19 February Book Now Enquire

Itinerary

Below is the 2017 itinerary! Don’t miss out in 2018 and register above.

Day 1

Tuesday February 14th - Arrival Day
ARRIVAL TIME: Afternoon
Planned Ride Options:
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 over 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 overlooking the stunning coastline, followed by dinner (compliments of PRACTICEBICYCLE).

Day 2

Wednesday February 15th - View Volta Algarve Stage 1: Albufeira – Lagos - 182.9 km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 100km Ascent 1000m route Praia Castelejo
Distance 80km Ascent 600m route Burgau
Distance 65km Ascent 440m route Barao de Sao Joao
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage
The Volta starts today with the opening stage expected to be for the super-fast men of professional cycling with an action packed sprint finish on the streets of Lagos. Our day starts a little earlier with a taste of this amazing cycling destination, an undulating ride through the natural beauty of the Algarve landscape, taking a café stop in one of our favourite spots with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
We’ll arrive in Lagos with plenty of time to enjoy this holiday destination, relax over lunch or explore the network of shops and white washed buildings unique to the Algarve, Portugal. Mid-afternoon the show will arrive at full speed and the first leader of the Volta Algarve 2017 will be decided on the finish line in Lagos. Once all the presentations and classification jerseys have been awarded we have the opportunity for additional great riding on the roads of the Algarve or should you prefer, spend the afternoon relaxing in preparation for our climbing tomorrow.

Day 3

Thursday February 16th - View Volta Algarve Stage 2: Lagoa - Fóia - 189.3 km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 100km Ascent 1200m route Foia
Distance 65km Ascent 630m route Monchique
Distance 50km Ascent 300m route Silves
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage
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 morning will be the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with all the professional riders in a relaxed atmosphere at the sign-on podium. Watch the teams with last minute preparation of both riders and bikes before they start the most difficult stage of the Volta Algarve 2017, which for many will also be their first race of the season. Once the complete peloton has rolled away, followed by the team cars, we will continue our day and ride sections of the race route and head towards the most decisive part of the stage to catch the action live from the roadside.
One of the great aspects to this early season tour in the sun of the Algarve is the opportunity for more than one race viewing opportunity each day; with local knowledge of these fantastic cycling roads we can catch the action live on several occasions.

Day 4

Friday February 17th - View Volta Algarve Stage 3: Sagres - Sagres - 18 km (ITT)
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 115km Ascent 850m route Cape St Vincent
Distance 90km Ascent 900m route Vila do Bispo
Distance 54km Ascent 500m route Lagos
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Time Trial
After yesterday’s climbing stage, the professionals are put to the test with the Time Trial stage of this years Volta. With the distance a relatively short 18km most will be looking for an easier day in the saddle with this ‘race of truth’ on the way to the most south-western point of Europe – Cape St Vincent. Typically, strong winds blow on this peninsula and the day may not be as easy as many would hope for and seconds can be gained and lost with this important stage. We will enjoy our race viewing at the start area, with plenty of insight into how the best prepare for a short but very intense Time Trial effort at an early season challenge like this. Watch them off the start ramp or at maximum speed in their aerodynamic time trial position. Our own ride options today will all be longer than the professional race distance, but at a lot slower speed as we have time to enjoy the views as we head towards all the stage action.

Day 5

Saturday February 18th– View Volta Algarve Stage 4: Almodôvar – Tavira - 203.4 km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 115km Ascent 1300m route Tavira
Distance 75km Ascent 1000m route Sao Bras de Alportel
Distance 55km Ascent 700m route Alte
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage
With the 2017 Volta ao Algarve general classification starting to take shape after yesterdays time trial. Today it will be a day for the fast finishers to show their sprinting legs with an expected bunch sprint on the streets of the town of Tavira. Enjoy the challenge of our undulating ride as we head inland to explore the roads of the Algarve in all directions and discover this very special part of Europe the perfect location to escape the winter by bike to the South of Portugal.
The stage finish of Tavira is the quintessential Algarve town with 36 churches!, enjoy the cobbled streets, pretty harbour and historic center. Relax amongst the infectious unhurried pace of life that has barely altered in generations.

Day 6

Sunday February 19th - View Volta Algarve Stage 5: Loulé – Malhão - 179.2km
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 110km Ascent 1050m route Malhao
Distance 65km Ascent 750m route Silves
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, View Volta Algarve Stage
Our final cycling adventure together today will trace the picturesque Algarve landscape passing row after row of olive and orange trees, this area is renowned for some of the best tasting oranges in the world! We will join the race action in the Serra do Caldeirao mountains and the slopes of the Malhao (508m) climb, where our legs can also be tested before the professional’s arrive later in the day. The climb isn’t long at only 2.5km but expect the steepness of the grade and race speed to break up the peloton and hurt the legs of even the best racing cyclists in February. With 2 assents of Malhao on today’s stage route this will certainly be the deciding action and the eventual winner of the Volta Algarve 2017 will have to fight all the way to the final km of this year’s event. Admire the best in the business from the roadside and all the passion for cycle racing in Portugal just one more time on the slopes of Malhao!

Day 7

Monday February 20th - Departure Day
DEPARTURE TIME: Midday
INCLUSIONS: Faro Airport (Portugal) Transfer
This morning is your departure day from the Algarve and your support team will assist you with your onward travels with your midday transfer to Faro Airport. We look forward to seeing you and sharing great riding with you again soon.
‘Tchau” from PRACTICEBICYCLE.

*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.

Am I fit enough for this trip?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bicycle, you will love cycling in Algarve. As long as you love International 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 – the choice is yours.

Where will I be staying?

You will be staying at our handpicked 4* accommodation, 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.

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

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.

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.

If you are looking for a challenge to improve your cycling and professional coaching advice during your vacation, then consider our winter and summer training camps.

I have already booked accommodation - can I still go on this trip?

Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ package to get on this tour without using our accommodation.
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient meeting point in Praia da Rocha. 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.

What rides will I do?

On each of our tours we tailor the daily rides to the riders and weather conditions, including actual stage routes on the itinerary.  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, have a look at a sample of our rides in Algarve.

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 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 handpicked restaurant lunch together.

Why do you choose to watch all stages of the Volta ao Algarve bike race?

Our specialty bike race tour week to the Volta ao Algarve include viewing the race on 5 stages.  With our proven formula ‘Unpack Once, Cycle Every Day’ we maximise your enjoyment of viewing the race action live, contrasting with your own variety of personally tailored rides and the opportunity of enough time to relax and experience your idyllic location for the week.

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Your Volta ao Algarve 2018 bike tour package includes:

  • 6 nights’ Accommodation at the Tivoli Marina Portimao 4* Resort
  • 6 Buffet Breakfasts to fuel up for a day of action
  • Welcome to the Volta Algarve Drinks & Dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
  • 6 superb fully guided rides, with a choice of distance tailored for your enjoyment throughout the tour
  • Restaurant Lunch each day at the Volta, show casing the best flavours of the authentic Algarve
  • Unique and spectacular live viewing of 5 stages of the Volta Algarve 2018
  • 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
  • Complimentary Volta Algarve premium cycling Jersey

Volta ao Algarve 2018 Highlights:

  • Get close to your favourite superstars of cycling in a relaxed tranquil environment
  • Europe’s hidden cycling secret, the Algarve ‘Rocha Praia Mar’ – cliffs, beaches, ocean
  • Spectacular routes of Natural Algarve & coastline of the shimmering Atlantic Ocean
  • Get your 2018 cycling off to a flying start with 545 km / 350 mile week in the sun!
  • Insight to stage race action live from the roadside each day with stage starts, sprint finishes, mountain action, time trial power.
  • Amazing value, friendly people, great local food!
  • Unique experience & lots of FUN
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