The Portuguese Cycling Federation has brought the Time Trail cycling event back to Algarve. This event is named Volta do Algarve Cycling race which aims to bring many fans to watch the cycling sports. This is the 51st edition of the Volta do Algarve which will be held in Algarve, Portugal.
Volta do Algarve
Cycling is a famous sport in Portugal and Volta do Algarve brings a unique opportunity to prove your worth. The fifth stage of the time trial for the cycling race will end in Malhão which is also the final stage of the event. Cândido Barbosa, the President of the Portuguese Cycling Federation, hopes that many Portuguese as well as some international spectators will be present to witness the cycling race.
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While attending the press conference for the route of the next edition ‘Algarvia’, the President spoke with some journalists in Faro. This edition will be held from 19 February to 23 February 2025. Barbosa stated to the press:
The big news is the last day, which brings us to Malhão through an individual time trial and not through a stage. We hope that there will be more public support because the show will be more complete and comprehensive.
Cândido Barbosa is the newly elected President of the cycling federation. He explained that the new route will be a great opportunity for spectators to witness the race for much longer compared with before. According to the new route changes, the spectators will now be able to witness two or three hours of the race. Previously, the race watching time at an average spot along the race was two or three minutes.
International Cyclists Will Take Part In Race
The newly elected President informed that the squad for this year’s race will remain the same as the one in the 50th edition of the event. Although Belgian cyclist, Remco Evenepoel won the race in 2024, he is currently not available due to injury. Remco is recovering right now but he will be replaced by some of the other most competitive cyclists. He stated:
From now on and up to 10 days before the Volta ao Algarve starts, there will always be some entries from other athletes who can compensate for the departure of this name, who we would really like to be here.
Barbosa also hopes that Portuguese cyclists who race for the team foreigners will also join this event which is only for the Portuguese stage race held at the UCI ProSeries circuit. Some of the famous Portuguese cyclists include João Almeida (UAE Emirates) who came 4th in 2024, Rui Oliveira (UAE Emirates) who won Olympic track champions, and Iúri Leitão (Caja Rural) who also won Olympic track champions.
Huge Revenue From Cycling Events
Portugal hosts a series of cycling events in the country where many local citizens and foreign players participate. This is why Portugal is able to generate a lot of revenue through this cycling event. According to André Gomes, the president of the Algarve Tourism Region, Portugal was able to generate a handsome amount of money through broadcasting. Statistics show that 39 hours of international television broadcast in the event held in 2024 generated a revenue of more than 36 million Euros.
The Algarve is the center for cycling events held within the country. It serves as an important region for cycling events due to the scenic routes. André Gomes gave a statement which reads as follows:
João Almeida announced his presence here. It was important that all our emigrant cyclists, who are on these international teams, could all be here, because normally they only compete in Portugal here, in the national championship and now in the Clássica da Figueira.
André Gomes also informed that the Algarve has witnessed an increase in the number of guests (+6.2%) during the cycle racing event compared with last year. The region has also experienced an increase in overnight stays (+4.6%), and the number of passengers in Gago Coutinho Airport (+9%) during February 2024.
This proves that the regional economy can be boosted by cycling events. The time trial ending will be the key decider in the winner of the 51st Tour of the Algarve. Cyclists will be competing with each other one by one. They will have a specified area and whoever completes it in the shortest time will win the competition. It will be between 19 February and 23 February. For the 51st edition of the race, the route also includes a new climb to Fóia.
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