Volta ao Algarve stage 1 – LIVE

120KM REMAINING

Almost one third into the stage now, and the gap has crept down a little, to just over three minutes.

Here’s more from Jonas Vingegaard about what he hopes to get out of this week of racing.

130KM REMAINING

More kilometres tick by, and the gap remains the same, at around three and a half minutes. The peloton has this firmly under control. 

Here’s Jonas Vingegaard spotted in the peloton. He’s managed to stay safe without any problems so far.

While we wait for the action to kick off, have a read of our rundown of the top contenders present here in the Algarve, both for the GC and stage wins.

Not to make readers tuning in from the colder parts of the world too jealous of the riders, but conditions are lovely for racing – dry, not windy, and pleasantly warm at just shy of 20 degrees.

140KM REMAINING

Still nothing to report on the road, where the gap between the 8 leaders and the peloton is stable at around 3-30. 

Jordi Meus is another who may fancy his chances today. The Belgian started the season in impressive form at Etoile de Bessèges, registering a second and fourth place finish before leaving the race.

De Lie was one of the riders defeated at the Clasica de Almeria bunch sprint three days ago to Milan Fretin. The 23-year-old Freten is again taking part today, and hopes to carry on that form.

Another to look out for is Arnaud De Lie. He’s set out his intentions by having his Lotto teammate Brent Van Moer lead the peloton.

One of the sprinting heroes of last year, Tour de France star Biniam Girmay, is another who hopes to compete for the spoils in today’s finale. He’s raced four times already this year, but hasn’t yet placed better than fourth (at Trofeo Ses Salines).

Here are the 8 riders out front, still with a lead of over 3 minutes.

That said, it can take less time to come into sprinting form than for the classics, so Van Aert could yet open his account for the season today.