Volta ao Algarve

The Algarve offers one of the first genuine GC tests of the European season, with enough variety to reward different skillsets but enough climbing to separate contenders. The race unfolds along Portugal's southern coast in mid-February, when the weather is mild and the racing sharp. It has become a proving ground for riders building toward bigger goals, and the mix of time trialing and summit finishes means the winner needs more than one dimension.

The race is usually decided by two key stages: a mid-race time trial and the final summit finish at Alto do Malhão. The time trial creates the first separation among GC contenders. Alto da Foia provides an early test but rarely settles the classification. Malhão, on the final day, is where the race is won or lost , steep enough to create gaps but short enough that positioning and timing matter as much as raw power. Riders who can time trial well and climb sharply have the best chance. Sprint stages can be disrupted by late climbs or coastal wind, keeping the classification honest across all five days.