No/Spoiler Cycling Union Cycliste Internationale · Race Sheet · Season MMXXVI
Document NSC/VOLTA-AO-ALGAR
Built 2026-04-20
Calendar/February 2026/Volta ao Algarve
2.Pro Stage race · 5 stages · 749 km ★★★

Volta ao Algarve

The Volta ao Algarve is a prestigious early-season race in southern Portugal, traditionally attracting top GC contenders testing their form. The five-stage format typically includes flat stages for sprinters, the Alto da Fóia mountain test, and the decisive Alto do Malhão summit time trial finale.

§ Watch

Where to watch

🇬🇧United Kingdom
Discovery+/Eurosport
streaming · LIVE · $

⚠️ Spoiler warning: live streams and broadcaster home pages may show current standings. Disable autoplay & avoid sidebar recommendations on YouTube.

§ 02 — Stages

The route, day by day

§ 03 — Startlist & Jerseys

Who to watch & what to watch for

Top Starters

01
J. Almeida
UAE Team Emirates - XRG
02
L. De
Lotto Intermarché
03
P. Magnier
Soudal Quick-Step
04
J. Ayuso
Lidl - Trek
05
F. Ganna
INEOS Grenadiers
06
R. Carapaz
EF Education - EasyPost

Jerseys

Leader's Jersey
Overall GC leader on aggregate time.
Points / Sprint
Top sprinter across finishes & intermediates.
King of the Mountains
Best climber across categorised ascents.
Best Young Rider
Top GC rider under 25 where awarded.

placeholder Actual jersey colours depend on the race. Shown here as a generic template.

§ 04 — GC Favourites

Fight for the overall

№ 01 · GC-CONTENDER
J. Almeida
UAE Team Emirates - XRG
UCI #4★★★★★
№ 02 · ONE-DAY
L. De
Lotto Intermarché
UCI #10★★★★
№ 03 · ONE-DAY
P. Magnier
Soudal Quick-Step
UCI #11★★★★
№ 04 · CLIMBER
J. Ayuso
Lidl - Trek
UCI #12★★★★
№ 05 · TIME-TRIALIST
F. Ganna
INEOS Grenadiers
UCI #35★★
№ 06 · CLIMBER
R. Carapaz
EF Education - EasyPost
UCI #50★★
§ 05 — Storylines

Narratives to watch

§ 07 — Viewing Notes

When to tune in

Recent winners include Vingegaard, Evenepoel, and Pogačar - this race attracts top talent. The Alto do Malhão ITT on the final day is unique and decisive. Weather in the Algarve is typically pleasant, making this a popular early-season race.