2022 Volta ao Algarve Race Preview
The details of this year's 2022 Volta ao Algarve are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2022 Volta ao Algarve gets underway this week as one of the most eagerly anticipated early-season stage races on the European calendar. The five-stage race through the stunning southern Portuguese region has established itself as a reliable indicator of form heading into the spring classics and grand tour season, and this year's edition promises to be no different given the quality of the startlist that has been assembled.
The race is set to feature a typically challenging mix of terrain, blending fast coastal roads with the brutal mountain finish atop the Alto da Fóia, which has historically been the decisive battleground where the overall classification is won and lost. The climb is one of the most demanding on the Portuguese calendar and riders who arrive at the race without sufficient climbing legs will find themselves quickly distanced when the road tilts upward on that critical stage.
Remco Evenepoel arrives as one of the clear favourites and will be looking to build on his outstanding late-season form from 2021. The Belgian youngster from Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl has already shown tremendous maturity in stage racing and will be eager to confirm his standing among the best all-round riders in the world. His ability to time trial at an elite level while also being able to cope on steep gradients makes him a dangerous proposition for his rivals across all five stages.
Brandon McNulty and João Almeida are also expected to feature prominently, as is Alexandr Vlasov, who has been in fine early-season shape. The peloton will also contain several sprinters hoping to capitalise on the flatter opening stages before the race heads into the mountains and the climbers begin to assert themselves.
Get our full coverage of the Volta ao Algarve and every race we cover with our mobile app! The apps have over 100 additional exclusive features, including our award-winning Time Machine feature that lets you pause/rewind/replay the entire app to sync with delayed race video, integrated Fantasy Cycling, push notifications, an integrated news feed, live GPS tracking, world-class commentary, and our animated interactive maps and profiles.
