The Volta Algarve 2019 action begins today with the opening stage expected to be for the super-fast men of professional cycling as the stage route weaves it’s way between two of the Algarve’s most popular summer holiday destinations Albufeira and Lagos.
It’s also our first opportunity to catch up with all the stars of the peloton and a taste of this amazing cycling destination as we explore some of the more comfortable roads and the coastline of the Algarve landscape, taking a café stop in one of our favourite spots on the beach with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you have good legs today and are looking for more of a challenge from stage 1 of the Volta take the opportunity of catching the race action on several occasions!
Prefer to pace yourself for the week then enjoy this first day with a more leisurely day in the 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 no less than 5 Category Climbs 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; if your looking for fantastic food we know a great location for hearty mountain food available to you 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 is a technical route; it could spring a surprise or two for those who don’t checkout this critical 20.3km circuit. With our legs tested on the Serra Monchique yesterday we may need a more relaxing day 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 Volta ao Algarve general classification starting to take shape after the time trial, the fast finishers get to show their sprinting legs once again with an expected bunch sprint on the streets of the town of Tavira. Whilst the race peloton heads to the most easterly part of the Algarve, we’ll take our superb ride to the west and some of our favourite roads of the Algarve, which really highlight this unique part of southern Europe.
Enjoy the challenge of our undulating 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 break. With no race deadlines today, enjoy as much or as little time in the saddle in the sunny Algarve, make the most of discovering this very special part of Europe the perfect location to escape the winter by bike in the South of Portugal. Looking for that long lunch…today’s the day!

INCLUSIONS: Faro Airport (Portugal) Transfer

Our final Algarve cycling adventure together today will trace the picturesque landscape passing row after row of olive and orange 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.
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 take the title in 2019.
Today is also your departure day from the Algarve and your support team will assist you with your onward travels with your transfer to Faro Airport. With the final stage action due to finish late afternoon, we suggest an evening flight for your departure unless you have booked an additional night stay.
‘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.