2023 Volta ao Algarve Race Preview
The details of this year's 2023 Volta ao Algarve are falling into place. Find the latest route profiles and maps below, followed by our strategic preview of the race.
The 2023 Volta ao Algarve gets underway in southern Portugal, bringing together one of the strongest early-season fields assembled for this traditionally competitive five-stage race. The event has long served as a reliable indicator of form heading into the spring classics and grand tour campaigns, and this year promises to be no different given the quality of riders on the start list.
Remco Evenepoel arrives as the defending champion and the man most eyes will be fixed upon throughout the week. The Belgian world champion claimed overall victory here in 2022 and heads into this edition on the back of a stunning few months that saw him win the Vuelta a España and the world championship road race. His climbing ability and strength against the clock make him the obvious favourite, and his Soulless Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl squad will be well organised around protecting his lead once he has established it.
João Almeida represents another significant threat and adds further depth to an already formidable Quick-Step lineup. The Portuguese rider knows these roads intimately and will be motivated by the prospect of performing well in front of home crowds.
The time trial stage will almost certainly play a decisive role in shaping the general classification, as it traditionally does at this race. Evenepoel's superiority in that discipline gives him an immediate advantage over pure climbers, who must try to limit their losses against the clock before targeting the mountain finishes.
Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates brings genuine all-round credentials and could challenge for the overall, while Geraint Thomas and Adam Yates add further star power to the field. The summit finishes at Alto do Malhão and elsewhere will give climbers their best opportunities to shake up the standings.
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