Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal – The 52nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve begins on February 18th, offering a crucial early-season test for a field of ambitious cyclists. With former champions Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel absent this year, a new generation of riders will vie for the title across five stages encompassing a time trial, two challenging summit finishes, and opportunities for sprinters. The race, running through February 22nd, is drawing attention as a key proving ground for contenders preparing for larger campaigns later in the season.
The 2026 Volta ao Algarve presents a diverse route designed to test all facets of a rider’s ability. Time trial specialists will target the 19.5km individual test in Vilamoura, although sprinters will have their chances on stages concluding in Tavira and Lagos. The decisive moments, but, are expected to approach on the climbs at Fóia and Malhão, where general classification hopefuls will separate themselves. This year’s race features a compelling mix of established stars and rising talents, making for a dynamic and unpredictable competition.
João Almeida: Home Favourite and GC Contender
All eyes will be on João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) as he begins his campaign on home soil. The 27-year-old will wear the number one dossard after finishing as the runner-up in the 2025 edition, having previously placed ninth and sixth in the race. Almeida arrives in strong form, having secured second place at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana earlier this month, according to Cyclingnews. His palmarès includes victories at Itzulia Basque Country, the Tour de Suisse, and Tour de Pologne last year, demonstrating his consistent performance in major stage races.
Almeida’s ambitions extend beyond the Algarve, as he prepares to lead UAE at the Giro d’Italia in May, where he will challenge Jonas Vingegaard for the maglia rosa. His schedule includes Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya as key preparation races. He will be supported by compatriots António Morgado, Ivo Oliveira, and Rui Oliveira, with Brandon McNulty expected to play a crucial role as a domestique.
Rising Stars and New Teams
The Volta ao Algarve will also showcase several riders embarking on new chapters in their careers. Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM) makes his season debut in Portugal, following a successful 2025 that saw him win the Tour de l’Avenir, finish eighth at the Critérium du Dauphine, third in the European Championships road race, and seventh at Il Lombardia. The 19-year-old is widely considered a rising star of French cycling and a potential future contender for the Tour de France, as noted by Cyclist. He will be supported by Oliver Naesen, Sander De Pestel, and Stan Dewulf, alongside new signing Matthew Riccitello, who recently won a stage at the Tour de la Provence.
Ineos Grenadiers’ New Appear
Oscar Onley (Ineos Grenadiers) will make his first appearance for his new team after transferring from Picnic-PostNL. Alongside fellow newcomer Kévin Vauquelin, Onley represents a significant addition to the Ineos Grenadiers roster. Vauquelin is still recovering from a leg fracture sustained after the Tour de France, but Onley has been building form, finishing fourth at the Tour of Britain and making his debut at the Road World Championships. They will team up with Thymen Arensman, forming a powerful trio capable of challenging for the general classification. Ineos will also rely on Filippo Ganna for the time trial and Ben Turner for sprint opportunities.
Ayuso and Lipowitz: Leaders on New Paths
Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) also begins a new chapter, leading his team for the first time following a move from UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Ayuso’s 2025 season was marked by both success and inconsistency, including a win at Tirreno-Adriatico and three stage victories in the Giro and Vuelta, but also a DNF at the Giro and a 68th-place finish in the Vuelta. He’ll be looking for more stability and a positive team environment at Lidl-Trek. Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) will make his 2026 stage race debut, stepping up as a co-leader alongside Remco Evenepoel, and is considered a favourite for the GC, having finished third overall at the Tour de France last year.
The Volta ao Algarve promises a compelling start to the 2026 cycling season, showcasing a blend of established stars and emerging talents. With a challenging route and a competitive field, the race is poised to deliver exciting racing and provide valuable insights into the form of riders preparing for the challenges ahead. The coming days will reveal which riders can capitalize on their opportunities and establish themselves as contenders for the season’s major prizes.
Stay tuned for updates from the Volta ao Algarve and continued coverage of the 2026 cycling season. Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
