The 52nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve runs for five stages from February 18 to February 22, taking in a time trial, two summit finishes, and two sprint stages. The race is an important early-season test for a host of riders, including many who are making their 2026 season debuts.
Previous winners Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel won’t be returning to take part in this year’s race, but there are plenty of interesting names to keep an eye on between Vila Real de Santo António and Malhão this week.
Several top sprinters are heading to the Algarve, including Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech), Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep), and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Intermarché), who will hope to perform on the stages to Tavira and Lagos, while time trial specialists including Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) and Stefan Küng (Tudor) will aim the 19.5km TT in Vilamoura.
We’ve picked out five of the top GC contenders racing at this year’s Volta ao Algarve; however, a group of riders who will look to perform in the time trial and at the two major uphill challenges at the race at Fóia and Malhão.
João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG)
Home favourite João Almeida was the runner-up last year and will wear the number one dossard this time around. He finished ninth and sixth in two previous participations before taking second behind Vingegaard last February.
Almeida has a swathe of major stage races on his palmarès, including wins last year at Itzulia Basque Country, the Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Pologne. Earlier this month, he opened his 2026 account with a second place at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana, and he’ll be hoping to return to winning ways on home ground and add this title to his collection.
The 27-year-old is continuing his journey to lead UAE at the Giro d’Italia in May, where he’ll do battle with Vingegaard for the maglia rosa. Stops at Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya are next on the list.
Almeida leads the team at this year’s race, and he’ll be backed up by several compatriots – António Morgado and Ivo and Rui Oliveira. Brandon McNulty should also be a great help in a super-domestique role.
Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM)
French youngster Paul Seixas is getting…
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