The change of dates harms Algarve
Usually the Volta ao Algarve is held in February and attracts several of the best riders in the world, since at the beginning of the season many cyclists are looking to refine their form, and they see in Algarve a good opportunity to add kilometers on their legs. This year, the race has seen its situation in the calendar modified due to health alerts, and as has already happened in other ProSeries events such as the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, the startlist is affected. Many riders are already in full competition and close to their goals, whether at the Giro d'Italia or at other WorldTour races.
Route
For yet another year, the race is made up of five stages, although it is true that this edition is less mountainous than in previous years, and includes two stages that will presumably reach the sprint. Two other stages have top hill finishes and will be for climbers or puncheurs. The stage 4 time trial completes the course, and may be decisive for the general classification.
Startlist and favorites
The main names of the startlist are given by the Deceuninck-Quick Step, which brings the best train in the world, with Shane Archbold (200), Davide Ballerini (600) and Michael Mørkøv (400) to launch Sam Bennet (1200), who will start as the main favorite for the sprints. In addition, Kasper Asgreen (800) will also participate after his great spring, and the Dane will undoubtedly be a good candidate for the time trial and perhaps he can contest the general.
The main rival to Sam Bennet for the fast finishes should be Pascal Ackermann (1200), while it is expected that Marc Sarreau (400), Ryan Gibbons (400), Danny Van Poppel (400) or Ion Aberasturi (400), will dispute the sprints too, among others.
For the general classification, perhaps the main favorites are Rui Costa (600) and Lennard Kämna (400), although the recent winner of the Presidential Tour of Turkey, José Manuel Díaz Gallego (200), should not be ruled out. In addition, it can be interesting to load our team with Portuguese riders, as they tend to shine at home.