This week’s Volta ao Algarve sees a host of big GC names go head-to-head for the first time in 2026, including João Almeida, Juan Ayuso, and Oscar Onley. But besides those established stars, the race also marks the first high-level stage race for one of cycling’s hottest young talents.
20-year-old Belgian Jarno Widar will lead Lotto-Intermarché at the race. In the past two seasons, he has won the Giro d’Italia Next Gen, the Ronde de l’Isard, two editions of the Giro Valle d’Aosta, the under-23 European road race title, and the under-23 Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
“I’ve been scouting both the finishes in Fóia and Malhão these past few days. They suit my abilities, but have you seen the field yet? I’m still five steps away from that level,” Widar told Het Nieuwsblad, calming any hype before he takes on Almeida, Ayuso, Onley, as well as Seixas and Florian Lipowitz.
My View
Dani Ostanek
Over the past two seasons, Jarno Widar has established himself as one of the most promising stage racers in the under-23 ranks, racking up wins and podiums at the biggest races below the professional level.
He already has some experience racing in pro pelotons, having taken part in…
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