The Volta Algarve action begins today with the opening stage of 189.5km 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 Lagos and Portimao.
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 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 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.

With the 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 a comfortable or challenging route 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 on the amazing roads of the Algarve.

Today is the “Race of Truth” the Time Trial stage for the professionals, it will be the most decisive 20.3km 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 TT is a technical route; it could spring a surprise or two for those who do not 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.

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.