Belgian fast finishers dominated in Tavira over the past two years. Last year it was Jordi Meeus who took the win, while two years ago Wout van Aert celebrated after a bunch sprint. It seems highly likely that we’ll see another sprint finish in the town close to the Spanish border.
The route itself is not particularly demanding. There are plenty of rolling roads and two opportunities to take mountain points. The first comes on a 6.2-kilometre climb at 4.4%, the second after 7.9 kilometres of climbing at an average of 2.6%. From the top of that final ascent, the riders descend towards a completely flat finale.
Tavira may lie close to the Spanish border, but the start town of Vila Real de Santo António sits right on it. The riders will return there for the Golden Kilometre.
Beginning 25.2 kilometres from the line, the Golden Kilometre features three intermediate sprints within 1,100 metres, each offering 3, 2 and 1 bonus seconds. At the finish, the first three riders gain 10, 6 and 4 bonus seconds.
Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 1st stage 2026 Volta ao Algarve.
Another interesting read: results 1st stage 2026 Volta ao Algarve.
Volta ao Algarve 2026 stage 1: routes & profiles
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