The Algarve race confirms the participation of some of the leading figures in international cycling, notably Portugal’s João Almeida, from UAE Emirates, despite the absence of the defending champion, Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard.

“Among the new features, 'hot spots' have been introduced, allowing us to gain nine seconds in a space of one kilometre and one hundred metres, without winning the stage and becoming the leader,” said the president of the Portuguese Cycling Federation in Faro.

Speaking at the end of the press conference to present the race, Cândido Barbosa said that the set of innovations “makes the race more interesting from a sporting point of view” and brings it into line with current times.

“It will be unprecedented, and that is why we are convinced of the improvements, not only from a sporting point of view, but also in terms of adding more value to the Volta ao Algarve,” he emphasised.

The UCI ProSeries 2.Pro category race starts in Vila Real de Santo António, which will host the start of this race for the first time, in a tour that runs over five stages and has its traditional finish at Alto do Malhão, in Loulé.

The route includes a mix of flat and medium-mountain stages, which could lead to tactical battles from the early days of competition.

Among the teams already confirmed is UAE Emirates, considered one of the best teams in the world peloton, which will be led by João Almeida, in addition to the team’s three other Portuguese cyclists.

João Almeida has been announced as one of the team’s leaders and reinforces its aspirations in a race in which he has already proven to be one of the strong contenders for the overall title, after finishing second in 2025.

“João Almeida is certainly coming to compete and bring with him the “headquarters” of Portuguese cyclists who are also usually part of the support team in other races,” argued Cândido Barbosa.

The organisers hope that the new format and the competitive peloton will further strengthen the race’s position on the international calendar, attracting audiences and media from around the world to the Algarve.

The race starts on 18 February with a 185.60-kilometre stage between Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira, featuring three bonus sprints over just over a kilometre.

The second stage, covering a distance of 157.10 kilometres, will connect Portimão to the top of Fóia, in Monchique, in what will be the first mountain finish, with three “hot spots”.

The third day (20 February) is dedicated to the individual time trial, starting and finishing in Vilamoura and passing through Quarteira, on a 19.5-kilometre route. The fourth stage will start in Albufeira and finish in Lagos (182.10), with a final circuit of 32 kilometres after a first pass through the finish line.

The fifth and final stage will start in the city of Faro and end at the “emblematic” Alto do Malhão (Loulé), covering a distance of 153.10 kilometres, with a new feature of a double passage through Malhão, integrated into a final circuit of 45 kilometres.

The president of the Algarve Tourism Region, André Gomes, said that the Volta ao Algarve “is one of the most important sporting events in the region, having generated an economic impact of more than €30 million in 2025”.

“It is an event of great importance for our territory, allowing us to showcase the authenticity of the Algarve and attract visitors outside the high season,” he noted.