Geraint Thomas, Ben Swift and Andy Fenn in Tour of the Algarve
Team Sky fields British trio Geraint Thomas, Ben Swift and Andy Fenn in the 2015 Volta ao Algarve, starting today (Wednesday February 18) in Portugal.
Sky is backing team leader Richie Porte, who won the race in 2012. Porte has already claimed the Australian time trial title and the key climbers' stage of the Tour Down Under so looks in good shape to tackle the five-stage Volta ao Algarve, which includes a 19-kilometre time trial on Friday.
Swift will have his chance to contest bunch finishes on the flatter stages (one and five), although the parcours is decidedly hilly. On paper, German Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) will be Swift's biggest rival in the sprints with many of the other big-name fastmen currently occupied in the Tour of Oman or Ruta del Sol.
Last year's edition was won overall by the man who went on to become world champion: Michal Kwiatkowski (Etixx-QuickStep). Kwiatkowski returns this year to defend his title with a strong line-up to back him that includes double Algarve winner Tony Martin, Zdenek Stybar and Giani Meersman.
Along with the individual test against the clock on stage three, the general classification will receive a big shake-up on Saturday, with a long 216-kilometre trawl from Tavira to Malhão that concludes with a mountain-top finish.
There are a further five WorldTour squads in the race in addition to Sky, Etixx-QuickStep and Lotto-Soudal: Cannondale-Garmin, LottoNL-Jumbo, Movistar, Katusha and Astana.
The UCI 2.1-ranked Volta ao Algarve runs from Tuesday February 18 to Sunday February 22.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Chris Froome eager to test Alberto Contador as 2015 season begins
Volta ao Algarve 2015: Stages
Stage one, Wednesday February 18, Lagos to Albufeira, 167km
Stage two, Thursday February 19, Lagoa to Monchique, 197km
Stage three, Friday February 20, Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente, 19km
Stage four, Saturday February 21, Tavira to Malhão, 216km
Stage five, Sunday February 22, Almodôvar to Vilamoura, 184km
Volta ao Algarve: Recent winners
2014: Michal Kwiatkowski
2013: Tony Martin
2012: Richie Porte
2011: Tony Martin
2010: Alberto Contador
2009: Alberto Contador
2008: Belgium Stijn Devolder
2007: Alessandro Petacchi
2006: João Cabreira
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
‘There's no point to race for 50th place’: Peter Sagan explains why he’s a cycling esports ambassador but won’t compete
As a MyWhoosh ambassador, Sagan admires the sport’s evolution, but does he have the watts to compete with today’s virtual cycling stars?
By Christopher Schwenker Published
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert impress in Portugal ahead of bigger tests
Evenepoel starts season in fine form ahead of Tour de France debut this summer
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'Mostly for those in their 40s and 50s': I'm 28 but I still think this stage race has a mad playlist that you need to listen to
With everything from Arcade Fire to Tina Turner, it's got something for everyone - almost. Plus, a lot of Portuguese music
By Adam Becket Published
-
Five things we learned from an action packed week of stage racing in Europe
Ineos Grenadiers reign in Portugal, Tadej Pogačar might be unstoppable and there's an unexpected winner at Valenciana
By Adam Becket Published
-
Sam Bennett sprints to stage one victory at Volta ao Algarve 2021 after yet another perfect lead-out
Sam Bennett took the opening stage of the Volta ao Algarve 2021 after his team nailed the timing of the lead-out yet again for their star fast man beating Danny Van Poppel and Jon Aberasturi.
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Volta ao Algarve 2021 postponed due to coronavirus
The 2021 Volta ao Algarve has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
'I'm not in my best shape yet': Remco Evenepoel obliterates stage five time trial to seal Volta ao Algarve victory
The young Belgian impressed once again as he takes the biggest stage race win of his career so far
By Jonny Long Published
-
Miguel Ángel López takes stage four win as Remco Evenepoel closes in on GC at Volta ao Algarve
The young Belgian has just an individual time trial between him and his second overall victory of the season
By Jonny Long Published
-
Cees Bol overpowers Quick-Step with huge sprint on stage three of the Volta ao Algarve 2020
Cees Bol was the first rider to deny Quick-Step in the Volta ao Algarve as he took stage three with a stunning sprint.
By Alex Ballinger Published