{"id":488603,"date":"2026-02-18T20:29:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T20:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/488603\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T20:29:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T20:29:15","slug":"volta-ao-algarve-stage-1-live-race-set-to-come-back-together-for-illustrious-bunch-sprint-featuring-philipsen-magnier-and-de-lie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/488603\/","title":{"rendered":"Volta ao Algarve stage 1 LIVE: Race set to come back together for illustrious bunch sprint featuring Philipsen, Magnier and De Lie"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Refresh <\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:21:40.315Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"caf5af3e-2a3a-43e6-ba1a-2199eb35adc3\">Decathlon, riding at the front of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/UeoCqeJExTErr7piQPSnsf.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Carlos Verona of Spain and Team Lidl - Trek and Stan Dewulf of Belgium and Team Decathlon CMA CGM compete during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/UeoCqeJExTErr7piQPSnsf.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/UeoCqeJExTErr7piQPSnsf.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:20:16.582Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"52a3e76e-3e24-4dc5-9ca8-ce000ade20c7\">The pace is down, and the riders are looking at each other. Nobody wants to commit too early, against the strong headwind.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:17:24.394Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"253c4545-f7dc-4c1e-873d-3b2302117d7c\">We&#8217;re into the final 10km!<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>10KM TO GO <\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:16:33.775Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f547e007-413e-4a3e-a0ca-c56069367103\">Jayco, Lidl and UAE are some of the other teams prominent up towards the front.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:14:26.037Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"2e4dccfe-d953-4285-9c05-d3fd6e5b75cb\">Decathlon reassert themselves at the front and now lead the peloton outright.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:13:25.085Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"5e2b853a-900d-465d-8ccb-029c01dc13f6\">There\u2019s a rival train from Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe on the other side of the road.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:11:44.427Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"881ac693-6be0-406c-83c4-cb040b0943eb\">After all the work from Alpecin and Soudal earlier in the day, other teams are now showing their faces. Decathlon have a long line of riders on the left-hand side of the road, presumably looking after their GC man Paul Seixas.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:10:26.158Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"4a17b723-5b31-421a-b2cd-4f3f793a6cf3\">Jordi Meeus is back towards the rear of the peloton, not ideal with only 15km to go.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:09:24.429Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d2997033-cf78-47f7-b7f0-8fc78bda04f6\">A headwind is making this a tricky run-in to the finish. It\u2019s crucial that the sprinters don;t expose themselves to the wind and keep on their teammates&#8217; wheels.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:07:42.775Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"614719fc-c7c1-479f-99d2-5cf2232e5db1\">It also turn out that Ayuso picked up 2 more bonus seconds at the 2nd Golden Kilometre sprint, meaning the group chasing Nunes must have been caught in between the first and second.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">That means the Spaniard has already gained 3 seconds in his bid for overall victory.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:05:57.929Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"56bcfe82-b1c9-41cd-bcf2-919606c9c429\">The trains are already forming. The riders are all spread across the road, clustered together with their teammates.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:03:47.354Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a19b0bdb-d65f-470b-ab62-a9f1c0318680\">Just 20km to go. The sprinters&#8217; teams will soon start winding up their trains in anticipation of the bunch sprint finale.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-20km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>20KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:02:49.741Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ecf94f16-6066-4020-bca7-5942cafb4e63\">Juan Ayuso did manage to get third in the final sprint, earning him one bonus second, while UAE&#8217;s Fabio Christen was ahead of him and behind Tratnik, taking two seconds.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T16:01:39.708Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"41e43509-1ae7-40b4-b6a1-37e65417e958\">It\u2019s been confirmed that Nunes took the bonuses at the first and second Golden Kilometre sprints, but was caught before the final one, which was won by Jan Tratnik &#8211; presumably in defence of his GC team leaders Florian Lipowitz and Dani Martinez.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:59:23.799Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d187f166-d4c0-462a-8516-a3d0dc5bbafd\">The catch having been made, the pace is way down in the peloton, giving the riders time to pick up last-minute supplies \/ relieve themselves before the day&#8217;s grand finale.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:56:35.416Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"afc8347c-2fdc-4d16-8f93-e02e0437afc6\">We&#8217;re waiting to hear the results of the Golden Kilometre, but it seems the breakaway riders were all caught sometime during it &#8211; including the lone leader Nunes.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:55:27.451Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"dea1a018-d41b-45ab-8db2-d2c712e669a0\">It seems that the rest of the break were caught, opening up some points for the riders in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:54:37.106Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ad61611b-c19b-4dea-bd3b-92ca9962c70f\">Juan Ayuso is involved, and looking like he&#8217;s thinking of sprinting for them.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:53:58.068Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"72c90fc3-562d-4566-b077-506bf5d78ffe\">But while Nunes is taking the maximum points, the peloton are looking to take the rest.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:52:32.609Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"aaff0440-57dc-45b7-ab27-525d4042b466\">Nunes is onto the Golden Kilometre. He should be set to take all the bonuses.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:50:39.763Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c6a9374c-f831-4594-9b21-5d7eb63171d4\">Nunes has a 10 second lead on the rest of the break, but the peloton is still getting closer and closer, now just 25 seconds behind him.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>30KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:49:48.515Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"2c539e5c-57b5-4f6d-a4e0-0d58ea30be9b\">This has been some impressive tactics from Credibom \/ LA Alum\u00ednios \/ Marcos Car, who managed to give Nunes a rest with help from teammate Narciso after he got into the break, and now has the legs to strike out alone.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:48:25.993Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b78ebf22-20e4-4a94-8703-31aab44677d6\">Nunes has attacked out of the break, and now leads the race alone.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:47:52.271Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/QrnD5bGHdhfKuN3ws9JMi9.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Johan Price-Pejtersen of Denmark and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech leads the peloton during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/QrnD5bGHdhfKuN3ws9JMi9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/QrnD5bGHdhfKuN3ws9JMi9.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:46:39.004Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f53fd37d-7343-438e-9be1-85d17ca63530\">The race is very much on. Tension is rising, and the Alpecin rider leading the peloton has some brief words with the Soudal rider behind him.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:44:34.174Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"df2f357e-9284-4387-85e9-f69fd50c7e22\">Coming up soon is a Golden Kilometre, where bonus seconds are on offer at three sprints within a kilometre. If the break is caught before then, we could see the GC men get involved.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:43:38.990Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f8564cfa-4f97-49fd-9052-28ad73dcc4b7\">It&#8217;s still Alpecin and Soudal who are doing the work in the peloton to chase this group down, and, despite a tailwind, they&#8217;ve got this under control. The time gap is now being reported as 35 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:40:47.620Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"51a80831-e312-4b12-982a-a390e0b726e0\">The catch is made, with 36km left to ride. This isn&#8217;t over for the break yet.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:40:03.302Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"76a2f68e-8cde-470f-b8fb-4d6af573c81a\">The three chasers can see the leaders now, and are about to make the catch.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:38:41.867Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a72d026b-939c-4fbb-9c6e-4ce705e8caa1\">The three leaders still have 1:15 on the peloton, and might soon to be joined by the three leaders, who are within 20 seconds of them.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>40KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:33:19.808Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"675b93f8-d20c-4a5b-acc4-ed7ea55c0698\">The other three riders who were in the break, Campos, Silva and Ribeiro, are about to be caught by the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:32:24.510Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"96a68a6b-2b69-4a52-9590-264d1899f2e9\">Behind the leading trio, Nunes, Narciso and Moreira have formed a chase group 30 seconds adrift.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:31:39.742Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b041815b-5715-4aa4-acaa-af16d088c039\">Once again, Contte takes the maximum points at the top, ensuring he will be the leader of the Mountain&#8217;s Classification for tomorrow&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-kom-faz-fato\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>KOM &#8211; FAZ FATO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:30:24.588Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9d61f8ae-827a-4965-bad4-c09d79287b7a\">The three leaders are nearing the top of the climb, and Contte is accelerating again for the KOM points.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:26:46.792Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1e77cd3f-8ddd-4996-b9ad-70562524b7dc\">Nunes has joined his teammate Narciso on the climb, and the latter is pacing him. This is an ambitious move by the Credibom \/ LA Alum\u00ednios \/ Marcos Car team.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:24:24.844Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"5f1fd59d-39bd-42c4-9473-ff4e03e529dd\">The non-Portuguese riders have gone clear of the home riders, and have formed a three-man group at the head of the race: Leijnse, Contte and Ivanov.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:23:27.204Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"0051bb6d-a9a3-4ceb-87ef-d91914ac463f\">This climb might not be steep, but the break is still fracturing on it. The&#8217;re in groups of twos and threes now.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:22:40.922Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1d6d7b7d-9538-4bd4-be24-3f7098c6bc6c\">The slowing of the pace has seen the break&#8217;s lead grow back out to 1:10, with Nunes half way between both groups.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>50KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:22:03.054Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d6417696-e053-46af-8fef-2ced0da7b5aa\">The pace has slowed again in the peloton, to the extent that Hugo Nunes of Credibom \/ LA Alum\u00ednios \/ Marcos Car has attacked out of it in an attempt to bridge up to the break.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:21:05.572Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1523c73c-59bc-43e7-af01-eefa3ebdfe7c\">Japer Philipsen in the bunch, staying well-positioned towards the front.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/94ZaiB9SrKscT2wkvsVStK.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Jasper Philipsen of Belgium and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech and Gianni Vermeersch of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe compete during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/94ZaiB9SrKscT2wkvsVStK.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/94ZaiB9SrKscT2wkvsVStK.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:16:57.924Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"5bb33453-e5df-4282-8107-35da041d2e4f\">Coming up soon is the second and final classified climb of the day, Faz Fato, which might account for the increase in pace in the peloton. It\u2019s long, at 7.9%, but with merely benign gradients, that averages 2.6%.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:13:45.613Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/go6Ra6LuPPANEohN33bGKL.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the peloton competing during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/go6Ra6LuPPANEohN33bGKL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/go6Ra6LuPPANEohN33bGKL.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:12:46.151Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"0af9a037-a680-40ac-b5c7-bb2809097644\">The peloton is closing in on the break now, with Alpecin working with Soudal-QuickStep. They&#8217;ve now within 20 seconds of them.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:11:54.880Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"80d9bd70-42ca-4a78-a726-a152ca4cf082\">Soudal-QuickStep still lead the peloton. They&#8217;ll be especially motivated to win today, as they are still without a win this year. By contrast, their departed star Remco Evenepoel is already up to 6 further putting pressure on them to get going. Ex-boss Patrick Lefevere is urging them not to panic.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/panic-is-a-bad-advisor-former-team-boss-patrick-lefevere-urges-patience-as-soudal-quickstep-make-rare-winless-start-to-the-season\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/panic-is-a-bad-advisor-former-team-boss-patrick-lefevere-urges-patience-as-soudal-quickstep-make-rare-winless-start-to-the-season\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;Panic is a bad advisor&#8217; \u2013 Former team boss Patrick Lefevere urges patience as Soudal-QuickStep make rare winless start to the season<\/a><\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:08:53.625Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"936c8e38-16e1-474f-b7e7-f3652d01490b\">There&#8217;s been a crash in the breakaway &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Silva has gone down, while leading the group around a round-a-bout.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:07:40.796Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"240cec55-99de-408a-aa29-91c6e4d9104b\">1:10 is the gap, as the riders enter the final 60km.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-60km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>60KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T15:02:32.608Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FiYiWXq9qJbSfqFwbjNy6g.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the peloton competing during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FiYiWXq9qJbSfqFwbjNy6g.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FiYiWXq9qJbSfqFwbjNy6g.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:55:48.260Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8bf80427-c420-464a-ad8e-de51f7bb856c\">1:40 is the latest gap between the peloton and the break. The race is settled as they continue this long, shallow descent.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>70KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:48:30.408Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"fe20d02a-c244-4d3d-9051-28aeb104b401\">Across the border, the opening stage of the Ruta del Sol has just finished. You can find out what happened <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/vuelta-a-andalucia-christophe-laporte-sprints-to-victory-on-opening-stage-of-ruta-del-sol\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/vuelta-a-andalucia-christophe-laporte-sprints-to-victory-on-opening-stage-of-ruta-del-sol\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:46:08.309Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1af0754e-0053-4421-8d9d-12364c69e17d\">Here were the results from the KOM classification at the top of the Mercador climb, which Tomas Contte was first to the top of:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Tomas Contte 3 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">2 Enzo Leijnse 2 points<\/p>\n<p>3 Jo\u00e3o Silva 1 point<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:44:31.194Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"cce60178-7bc3-44bc-b6b8-326d35850c17\">Narciso didn\u2019t get up the ghost, and has made it back into the break on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:43:48.577Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f41bf576-2141-498e-ac9a-d71eaddb5aa9\">Paul Seixas is another man many eyes will be on in terms of the GC race. The teenage Frenchman enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season last year &#8211; can he build upon that and take another leap in 2026?<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:40:01.478Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d6c87670-1036-4ceb-9aea-cbfbcdff02a6\">The break remained mostly intact on the climb, although Narciso was dropped out of it and is now 20 seconds adrift.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:39:02.625Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"22b1ef79-a48c-49a1-b91f-5ad8f5b8e7a9\">Both the break and the peloton are on the descent, the gap between them now at 1:20.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-80km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>80KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:33:55.302Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"4cc365bd-c809-4726-ab6d-b81c81cf7e95\">Onley faces a familiar foe in Florian Lipowitz, his rival for the Tour de France podium last year who won the race for third place. He\u2019s leading Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe\u2019s GC push, and has spent the stage today safely in the peloton with no issues.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/arCdB2oHGbR4u2FX5JBz6g.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Florian Lipowitz of Germany and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/arCdB2oHGbR4u2FX5JBz6g.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/arCdB2oHGbR4u2FX5JBz6g.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:24:42.375Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"62e2b81f-a66d-48fa-b253-c64ce54ca576\">The gap remains at anout one minute as both the break and the peloton take on the climb.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>90KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:24:07.024Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9a0ef511-3b23-41e3-ae5b-92d5938a5561\">Going back to the GC hopefuls &#8211; Oscar Onley\u2019s form will be closely monitored, given his high-profile move to Ineos Grenadiers. This is his first race for the British team, and he\u2019d make a big statement as a potential Grand Tour candidate with overall victory against opponents as strong as Almeida and Ayuso; though Onley himself is downplaying expectations this early in the season.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-dont-feel-any-pressure-to-perform-straight-away-oscar-onley-starts-figuring-out-ineos-grenadiers-at-volta-ao-algarve-with-tour-de-france-the-clear-target\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/i-dont-feel-any-pressure-to-perform-straight-away-oscar-onley-starts-figuring-out-ineos-grenadiers-at-volta-ao-algarve-with-tour-de-france-the-clear-target\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;I don&#8217;t feel any pressure to perform straight away&#8217; \u2013 Oscar Onley starts &#8216;figuring out&#8217; Ineos Grenadiers at Volta ao Algarve with Tour de France the clear target<\/a><\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:20:43.930Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"6d91d8f9-0c4f-4c8d-939a-183a575b9b66\">The breakaway riders have started the climb. The group could begin to break up, especially with the peloton bearing down on them.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:18:11.104Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b57ebff4-290b-4a49-9ed8-6604bd8f1d3a\">Consequently, the gap to the break has come down to just over a minute.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:17:37.573Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a68a4cbc-e77a-4f55-be0f-0770a0a0807b\">The pace is up in the peloton, as they approach the foot of the first climb of the day &#8211; the category three Marcador, which rises for 6.2km at 4.5%.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:15:25.329Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"87aa7b01-ad9d-4827-aaa3-ad7459a40a30\">Almeida and UAE Team Emirates\u2019 main rival could well be Juan Ayuso, in what is set to be the first of a tasty rivalry between himself and his former team. Can the Spaniard, who now rides for Lidl-Trek, inflict revenge on the team he left acrimoniously at the end of last season? He says he\u2019s aiming for overall victory.<\/p>\n<p><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/the-aim-is-always-to-win-juan-ayuso-throws-down-gauntlet-at-first-race-with-lidl-trek-in-volta-ao-algarve\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/the-aim-is-always-to-win-juan-ayuso-throws-down-gauntlet-at-first-race-with-lidl-trek-in-volta-ao-algarve\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">&#8216;The aim is always to win&#8217; \u2013 Juan Ayuso throws down gauntlet at first race with Lidl-Trek in Volta ao Algarve<\/a><\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:11:16.591Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"6be1c6e4-2324-4378-a844-ed7e8c413404\">Given the might of UAE Team Emirates, and the continuation so far this season of their huge success from 2025, their leader Jo\u00e3o Almeida may be the man to beat. He looked good at the Volta Comunitat Valenciana, albeit losing out on the GC to Remco Evenepoel &#8211; but won\u2019t have to worry about defeating his Belgian rival this time, as Evenepoel\u2019s racing in the UAE.<\/p>\n<p>As a Portuguese rider, Almeida\u2019s the man the home fans will be backing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/E9afGhDehFnjKYssUuJCDX.jpg\" alt=\"VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Brandon McNulty of United States, Joao Almeida of Portugal and Antonio Morgado of Portugal and UAE Team Emirates - XRG prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/E9afGhDehFnjKYssUuJCDX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/E9afGhDehFnjKYssUuJCDX.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:04:37.643Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8a165dc8-8804-425d-a9bb-ac4906729255\">This is unlikely to be a day for the GC riders, whose task today is mostly about survival and avoiding incident before the showdowns to come later in the race. But let&#8217;s have a look at who\u2019s likely to be in the mix for the overall victory.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:02:43.216Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1c74ede7-5069-49d6-812a-ed877c206e36\">2:25 now for the break, which is their biggest lead of the day.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T14:00:15.878Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/oy6AZnbQ6LQbZ5Li23jSj7.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Jonathan Vervenne of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step leads the peloton during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/oy6AZnbQ6LQbZ5Li23jSj7.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/oy6AZnbQ6LQbZ5Li23jSj7.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:55:36.791Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a3a3f798-11a9-454c-9434-2a26a9f4b546\">Still the gap remains at about two minutes. The peloton has this firmly under control, despite the size of the group.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>110KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:53:51.051Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"fb8591be-75eb-4d2e-bae0-fb4e2749612f\">Alpecin riders in the peloton, surrounding their man Jasper Philipsen. While Philpsen is the obvious leader, they also have Kaden Groves here as an alternative option, making his first appearance of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Y4mwneT5mPWmzd5fPDPDo4.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Jasper Philipsen of Belgium and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech and Gianni Vermeersch of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe compete during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Y4mwneT5mPWmzd5fPDPDo4.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Y4mwneT5mPWmzd5fPDPDo4.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:49:08.972Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9116f24d-e9bf-479a-ade2-3c3bf54ed9f4\">After Magnier\u2019s Soudal and Philipsen\u2019s Alpecin, the third man in line in that picture is a Red Bull-Hansgrohe rider. He\u2019ll be working for Jordi Meeus, who will have a chance to sprint for victory today before the team\u2019s focus shifts to GC with Florian Lipowitz and former overall winner Dani Mart\u00ednez.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:47:07.269Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"024c130e-423e-4d31-a435-05a5ac961210\">Magnier\u2019s Soudal-QuickStep are taking it upon themselves to control this break, with their man Jonathan Vervenne seen here leading the peloton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/G2t7grfiDt9s6B9EvoSEbF.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Jonathan Vervenne of Belgium and Team Soudal Quick-Step competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/G2t7grfiDt9s6B9EvoSEbF.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/G2t7grfiDt9s6B9EvoSEbF.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:42:31.261Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"16fe31c8-5cf6-42d9-9578-661a64a8be39\">The break&#8217;s lead is holding steady, still at just over two minutes.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:36:20.195Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"82bc03cb-c1a0-43aa-b300-fb61aea64f06\">Since the departure of Remco Evenepoel, there\u2019s a big onus on Paul Magnier to perform at Soudal-QuickStep, and perhaps become their new talisman. He could make a big statement by winning today, on what is just his second race day of the season.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:32:44.705Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"78c11118-6335-44fd-ae15-7d63f6736d81\">Here&#8217;s an idea of the kind of landscape that is providing the backdrop for today&#8217;s stage in the Algarve.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KnvyhsrTRC9KV2Z7g3qCuB.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Johan Price-Pejtersen of Denmark and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech leads the peloton during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KnvyhsrTRC9KV2Z7g3qCuB.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KnvyhsrTRC9KV2Z7g3qCuB.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:27:38.581Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"4e7711a0-3a8e-476f-b827-c54f61bec41c\">The gap between the break and the peloton is still at about two minutes.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>130KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:25:47.613Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c8e6bb38-e7c6-4dda-9b2f-03a08dc50e95\">Another big name to look out for in the event of a bunch sprint is Arnaud De Lie. The Belgian\u2019s start to the season was delayed by a freak injury sustained during the Christmas break, though, and his team have <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/theres-inevitably-going-to-be-an-impact-on-his-plans-after-off-season-domestic-accident-arnaud-de-lie-gets-2026-racing-underway-at-clasica-almeria\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/theres-inevitably-going-to-be-an-impact-on-his-plans-after-off-season-domestic-accident-arnaud-de-lie-gets-2026-racing-underway-at-clasica-almeria\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">downplayed his form<\/a> as a result.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:19:03.407Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1fde3e25-69aa-4d73-8587-9cf1140cdd99\">The race has it&#8217;s first abandon already &#8211; Henri Uhlig, one of the Alpecin teammates tasked with helping Philipsen win today&#8217;s stage.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:17:40.890Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a8225943-3bfc-45d1-8ef8-7679f0691bd0\">The big, new summit finish at the UAE Tour lived up to the hype, and produced a thrilling battle up it. We won&#8217;t spoil it here, but be sure to <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uae-tour-antonio-tiberi-soars-to-stage-win-race-lead-on-jebel-mobrah-summit-finish-as-remco-evenepoel-loses-two-minutes\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uae-tour-antonio-tiberi-soars-to-stage-win-race-lead-on-jebel-mobrah-summit-finish-as-remco-evenepoel-loses-two-minutes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">read our report<\/a> of what happened.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:14:05.002Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"3cbf624c-d542-4c46-8630-c152da71909d\">So which sprinters should we be looking out for in the finale? Jasper Philipsen\u2019s name stands out. This is the first race of 2026, and he\u2019s beginning what he hopes will be another prolific printer, having spent many years now as one of the fastest men in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:11:01.661Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"fbec6d0e-2d12-470f-8ec6-667dddc77744\">The riders are currently going uphill, but only at a very gradual gradient. The parcours is a little undulating for a while, but this still looks like a day for the sprinters.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:08:31.946Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"52148c2b-b8bd-498c-b726-65299fd1f968\">The gap&#8217;s up to 2:15, the highest it&#8217;s been all day.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-140km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>140KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:07:35.298Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1abce910-3aaf-455a-b667-afcf9867d558\">The peloton, where the atmosphere is relaxed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vC6BB6gNVa6SHqPUFnBUCd.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Kasper Asgreen of Denmark and Team EF Education - EasyPost competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vC6BB6gNVa6SHqPUFnBUCd.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/vC6BB6gNVa6SHqPUFnBUCd.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:04:40.681Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ff13d661-a992-4ac6-b52f-818f4558a9c0\">The pace in the peloton has eased off again, and the gap is growing. It seems the break will be allowed to remain up the road after all.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:01:15.313Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8acd7abb-cea7-4ef3-aa50-09e442ba2bc9\">Leijnse&#8217;s problem must have only been a mechanical, as he&#8217;s back with the leaders now.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T13:00:26.074Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pywx4rdkbwFW7NtGhexXRd.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the peloton competing during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pywx4rdkbwFW7NtGhexXRd.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pywx4rdkbwFW7NtGhexXRd.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:56:38.943Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"7c4d3f2d-1f1c-4270-bae9-8a9f33ca8aa0\">Leijnse has dropped out of the break.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:55:50.186Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"48e5596c-b4ee-4dc7-8e13-c0e47410e40c\">Soudal are working for a Paul Magnier win today. The young sprinter was one of the most prolific winners of 2025, and has started this season in good nick with a runner-up finish at Cl\u00e0ssica Comunitat Valenciana &#8211; Gran Premi Val\u00e8ncia.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:53:36.016Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"3c8a1a08-cf11-4a5b-a22e-3fb3bf31abb0\">Soudal-QuickStep don\u2019t appear too happy with this break &#8211; perhaps it\u2019s too big? They\u2019re pulling at the front of the peloton and have almost halved the gap, to just over a minute.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-150km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>150KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:49:03.920Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DFVhQr9Djz3zouv6gQ9tAh.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the peloton competing during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DFVhQr9Djz3zouv6gQ9tAh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DFVhQr9Djz3zouv6gQ9tAh.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:44:09.788Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ea6ecff2-b5e8-4278-af4c-58f3c652201d\">The gap between the break and the peloton is up to two minutes, but has ceased to grow as the peloton begin chasing.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-160km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>160KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:42:09.246Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Q4riq2gbfW2thFCbwvQk7C.jpg\" alt=\"TAVIRA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the peloton competing during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Tavira, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Q4riq2gbfW2thFCbwvQk7C.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Q4riq2gbfW2thFCbwvQk7C.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:36:32.095Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9eb367af-3577-4dd9-9e91-4f2062e5c847\">So it\u2019s very much a break of chancers, with two-thirds of it made up of native Portuguese riders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:34:46.469Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"e6e0faed-07d9-479a-b2c0-a1ca154888ac\">Here are the nine rider in the break:<\/p>\n<p>Jos\u00e9 Miguel Moreira (GI Group Holding &#8211; Simoldes &#8211; UDO)<\/p>\n<p>Andr\u00e9 Ribeiro (GI Group Holding &#8211; Simoldes &#8211; UDO)<\/p>\n<p>Diogo Narciso (Credibom \/ LA Alum\u00ednios \/ Marcos Car)<\/p>\n<p>Bruno Silva (Tavfer-Ovos Matinados-Mort\u00e1gua)<\/p>\n<p>Noah Campos (Team Tavira \/ Cr\u00e9dito Agr\u00edcola)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Enzo Leijnse (Anicolor \/ Campicarn)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Viacheslav Ivanov (Feirense &#8211; Beeceler)<\/p>\n<p>Tomas Contte (Aviludo &#8211; Louletano &#8211; Loul\u00e9)<\/p>\n<p>Jo\u00e3o Silva (Feira dos Sof\u00e1s &#8211; Boavista)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:31:19.113Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"4e07cda7-ecec-42c1-901e-0883900d302d\">We\u2019ll have a full run-down of everyone in it shortly &#8211; there are no World Tour riders among them.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:28:38.998Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c4aac4f3-7fff-48a8-9c60-d4941f43ad76\">Over a minute for the nine-man break &#8211; it doesn\u2019t appear the peloton is chasing them down.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-170km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>170KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:26:22.510Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"778590f7-f231-450f-96d8-abe6d974333c\">It\u2019s a large group, especially for a flat opening stage of a short stage race, but there doesn\u2019t appear to be any notably dangerous riders in it.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:25:15.777Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"dc2e5aff-2ae4-465f-9bd9-48bbc872f806\">A group of about 9 riders have established a gap on the peloton, this might be the break of the day.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:23:53.820Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"aadfe533-46f7-4da2-b19f-a379ef048655\">A first glimpse of the riders out on the road today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FJaBbDwzMfGLRWQEN8fnHY.jpg\" alt=\"VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the peloton prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FJaBbDwzMfGLRWQEN8fnHY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FJaBbDwzMfGLRWQEN8fnHY.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:16:44.152Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"e3fa0be3-bac5-4d91-9f92-eba09ec2c408\">The parcours today is mostly flat, with only a couple of small category three climbs to take on in the second half of the stage, before a straightforward run-in to the finish in Tavira. So it should certainly be an opening stage for the bunch sprinters.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:13:48.779Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f4c3fc4f-9702-4a76-8229-d8c64f70a351\">It\u2019s a mild day out there in the Algarve, not quite the searing temperatures that attract tourists later in the year, but a reasonable 17 degrees.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:10:35.463Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"90169416-5b72-4230-8a40-37038064ba1d\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-183km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>183KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:04:15.907Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"cae43d61-21de-4aed-9c2f-0f395d6561f8\">The riders are making their way through the neutralised zone in Vila Real de Santo Ant\u00f3nio.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T12:02:49.927Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"cd20026b-6ec8-4836-833e-55cef80da427\">Here&#8217;s Oscar Onley at the start, one of the big names making his debut for his new team, Ineos Grenadiers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:65.43%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kHkv5CahyE8uCLpDfcKBJX.jpg\" alt=\"VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 18: Oscar Onley of Great Britain and Team INEOS Grenadiers prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026 - Stage 1 a 183.5km stage from Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Tavira on February 18, 2026 in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kHkv5CahyE8uCLpDfcKBJX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kHkv5CahyE8uCLpDfcKBJX.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T11:57:52.719Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ab18ee2f-4a07-4aa5-a0ea-ade45bcf1692\">We&#8217;re only a few minutes away from the unofficial start!<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T11:56:51.573Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"eb533296-09ba-44db-8656-268d6a3bee08\">Today feels like a day when the 2026 season really starts to get going. As well as the Volta ao Algarve, the Vuelta a Andalucia is also getting underway across the border, while in the Middle-East the UAE Tour continues with a summit finish. You read a preview of that stage <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-crazy-hard-climb-grim-so-unique-riders-hold-their-breath-for-new-monster-summit-finish-to-shake-up-uae-tour-gc-battle-on-stage-3\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-crazy-hard-climb-grim-so-unique-riders-hold-their-breath-for-new-monster-summit-finish-to-shake-up-uae-tour-gc-battle-on-stage-3\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T11:50:37.296Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ff5dc62d-ebcd-44cf-9c0b-6682b849540e\">None of those four riders are present this year, but the start list remains stacked nonetheless. Have a read <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/fresh-starts-and-home-favourites-five-riders-to-watch-at-the-2026-volta-ao-algarve\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/fresh-starts-and-home-favourites-five-riders-to-watch-at-the-2026-volta-ao-algarve\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a> for our full run-down of who to look out for.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-18T11:48:42.810Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"60919795-774f-4ecc-a6ba-109934afe055\">This race in Southern Portugal has in recent years developed to become one of the most prestigious and star-studded of the early season stage races, as a quick look at the list of recent winners conforms &#8211; Jonas Vingegaard triumphed last year, Remco Evenepoel the year before, and Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d and Tadej Poga\u010dar within the last seven years.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-17T18:11:40.600Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"fc439ab9-d8d4-49a0-b40e-71092db69e22\">Hello and welcome to stage one of the Volta ao Algarve!<\/p>\n<p>Please follow our <a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\">community guidelines<\/a>.&#8221; data-join-the-conversation-text=&#8221;Join the Conversation&#8221;&gt;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<p>Logout<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Refresh 2026-02-18T16:21:40.315Z Decathlon, riding at the front of the peloton. (Image credit: Getty Images) 2026-02-18T16:20:16.582Z The pace is&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":488604,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[569],"tags":[64,63,784,85],"class_list":["post-488603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-cycling","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/488603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=488603"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/488603\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/488604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=488603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=488603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=488603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}