"Algarve" returns to Portimão in 2019

The 45th edition of the Tour of the Algarve, which will run from 20 to 24 February 2019, will have a similar course to the last years, including the ascent to the top of Malhão and the time trial in Lagoa. According to the statement, the organization's bet in 2019 will be on a "classic course, similar to previous years," with the already announced departure of Portimão to be the biggest news after an absence since 2012. "The course brings together all the ingredients so that the Tour of the Algarve continues to be one of the best races in the world", read in the document, which the organization guarantees to have "one of the events with the highest quality in the context of all sport Portuguese".

Portugal's highest-rated Portuguese cycling calendar, "Algarvia" has the longest run on the first day, with 199.1 kilometers between Portimão and Lagos.

The second day will link Almodôvar to Fóia, the highest point of the track, including an accumulated 3,600 meters along the 187.4 kilometers, which ends in a first category mountain count.

The third day reserved one of the first major timepieces, with a 20.3-kilometer workout in Lagoa, which Britishman Geraint Thomas won in 2018.

The sprinters again have the opportunity to discuss the stage, at the end of the 198.3 kilometers of the fourth stage, which departs from Albufeira and ends in Tavira, before the traditional arrival to the top of Malhão (Loulé) on the last day.

The fifth and final stage will crown the winner of the 45th edition at the end of a second-rate climb, with an average slope of 9.9% over 2,500 meters, totaling 173.5 kilometers.

In the 2018 edition, the race was attended by 13 of the 18 teams from the World Tour and with 19 runners from the world's top 100.

Route

1st stage: Portimão-Lagos, 199,1 km

2nd stage: Almodôvar-Fóia, 187.4 km

3rd stage: Lagoa (CRI), 20,3 km

Step 4: Albufeira-Tavira, 198.3 km

Step 5: Faro-Malhão, 173.5 km