{"id":439826,"date":"2026-02-22T15:46:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T15:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/439826\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T15:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T15:46:16","slug":"volta-ao-algarve-stage-5-live-juan-ayuso-under-pressure-during-final-battle-to-defend-overall-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/439826\/","title":{"rendered":"Volta ao Algarve stage 5 LIVE: Juan Ayuso under pressure during final battle to defend overall lead"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Refresh <\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:44:50.434Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c417d692-3643-4aef-bb71-97a826d98e75\">Thomas Gloag is a surprising fifth place at 6 seconds, while Riccitello finishes 6th at 14 seconds having tried to set Seixas up for the win.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:43:52.201Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b0e15bc6-7f5e-404a-8e82-0f0ce7205eaa\">Almeida was fourth four seconds behind, not quite succeeding with his attack earlier on the climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:43:13.272Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"32a669ed-1910-4bb6-9abf-f07cae612e70\">Onley began the sprint, and while Seixas saw him edge away, Ayuso managed to cling on to his wheel, then overtake him at the line.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:41:29.142Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a3712ab6-995d-4038-a788-135539c7672b\">Onley is second, and Seixas third.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:41:00.978Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ddb4df71-eb75-4a66-bcb7-51b0d3ca4fe4\">Ayuso has indeed won the stage!<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-ayuso-wins\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>AYUSO WINS<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:40:28.779Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"74236e70-9c5d-40ec-84c3-a2cc2b19ffd9\">Ayuso wins the Volta ao Algarve! But has he also won the stage?<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:40:06.575Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"17506312-af31-4f7e-b968-4bc4d4598f5d\">Ayuso challenges him&#8230;and it&#8217;s a photo finish on the line between them!<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:39:43.666Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8e504a85-9b37-4f2c-b77c-ee5b9da5580f\">We&#8217;re nearnig the srpting, and Onley is making a move.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:39:23.462Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d0aa74d5-89ce-4725-aff2-6bdf1b0bc7e4\">Seixas will likely need to drop Ayuso for yellow, bounus won&#8217;t be enough&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:38:57.765Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9101310a-88e4-4619-99f9-a7743f049e1d\">Ayuso is glued to his wheel, with 3 others.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:38:44.047Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"76668ed8-273b-425d-88aa-b0302799b966\">And now Seixas makes his move!<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:38:29.327Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"964efb44-b78c-4d4d-b43d-91b1e8503ad0\">Seixas&#8217; teammate Riccitello has made a move, going to the front of the group as they enter the final 1km.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:37:21.880Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d20c74d1-f636-4cc2-9d44-0bd95789fe45\">Still 7 riders left with Almeida &#8211; Onley, Ayuso, Seixas, among them.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:36:45.754Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"6f2115f3-32c3-4227-8180-0d1d4c8731ea\">Arensman is among those dropped, despite being 5th on GC.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:36:19.056Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"718bb3c4-f551-4571-802f-13241d9a86d1\">Now only 8 riders are left, under Almeida&#8217;s pace.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:35:57.858Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"26883eee-ef7c-4e92-b84e-83284df4cab5\">Seixas and Ayuso are both right up there, about third and fourth in line.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:35:28.470Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9629c1a1-d8dd-4404-b5af-97f39e8f7063\">He&#8217;s stretching the group out, with only about 12 left.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:35:07.285Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"adac7aa3-7cda-463c-8d72-8e704e81fc7a\">With 2km to go, Almeida takes over at the front. This is his last hurrah for the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:34:22.642Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a2bb6f95-e27e-4e46-a3b4-a0bcd78bf268\">UAE lead the peloton with Gro\u00dfschartner.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:33:22.292Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"214fca0e-b3d1-4a13-8c2b-b141b30583f7\">That&#8217;s it, the catch is made &#8211; and just as they start the final climb!<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:33:05.341Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"801b2ce5-d458-47f9-8098-5ce8d69a844e\">Lipowitz and Vauquelin are about to be caught. They will surely be very tired now on the final climb, which gives the riders behind fourth-place Vauquelin a chance to overtake him on GC.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:31:21.987Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a88c98c1-769c-47bd-8919-d14ba3406920\">A reminder that just seven seconds separate Juan Ayuso and Paul Seixas at the top of the GC. That\u2019s the amount that the latter needs to gain to take the overall victory.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:30:30.520Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"58a43110-19f0-4f10-be72-feed259e51da\">Just 10 seconds now for the leaders.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-5km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>5KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:28:54.608Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"409dd5c0-15d7-443d-8985-60ba40ce7f6f\">Lipowitz and Vauquelin&#8217;s days look numbered. They&#8217;re now just 15 seconds ahead. After all the day&#8217;s action, it appears everything&#8217;s going to come down to the a race in the peloton up the final climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:27:59.731Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"00a68882-9699-475f-81fc-db744e54aaa5\">UAE\u2019s Felix Gro\u00dfschartner is leading the peloton, with just 7km left to go, and under 4km until the start of the final climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:26:18.591Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"dcbe38cc-698e-41d9-aee9-1f58c27a17d6\">A reminder that Lipowitz is 57 seconds down on Ayuso on GC, and Vauquelin 1:17.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:25:29.170Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c3d7b157-afdb-4cfe-a535-6bf5141765fb\">Incidentally, with just one more climb to take on, Tomas Contte is poised to seal victory in the King of the Mountain classification.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:24:41.141Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ca73dfd9-b58e-4fe4-a50d-d58b1bce79c5\">That final climb will be the Alto do Malh\u00e3o. Here\u2019s what happened last time up it, when Jo\u00e3o Almeida dropped all but a select few. Surely he\u2019ll try another move now, but is unlikely to gain all the time he needs to take the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.41%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NW8MsBum6qQKjRsddmnJ5V.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Juan Ayuso of Spain and Team Lidl - Trek - Yellow leader jersey, Oscar Onley of Great Britain and Team INEOS Grenadiers, Paul Seixas of France and Team Decathlon CMA CGM - White best young jersey, Joao Almeida of Portugal and UAE Team Emirates - XRG compete during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NW8MsBum6qQKjRsddmnJ5V.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NW8MsBum6qQKjRsddmnJ5V.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:23:08.510Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"e0fff19b-79d2-4f79-89a6-457d6f571820\">They&#8217;re into the final 10km, with just the final climb to the finsh yet to tackle. The duo&#8217;s lead is 33 seconds &#8211; they&#8217;re in with a chance of the stage, but the GC looks beyond them.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-10km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>10KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:22:16.286Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a7852de9-263c-419a-8413-13141be966e8\">Despite Lipowitz&#8217;s attempted attack, he and Vauqulin don&#8217;t appear to have fallen out, and are still working together.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:20:58.611Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d646e2b0-b2f7-432f-8bb8-e7c8213ebada\">Lipowitz takes the points ahead of Vauqulin at the top of the climb, but they remain together. Alaphilippe is third to the top, but the Lidl-led peloton are nearly up to him now.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-kom-soidos\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>KOM &#8211; SOIDOS<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:18:22.680Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"5ef31908-6025-4e90-a90d-7377b1960bf6\">Lipowitz accelerates on the climb, but Vauqulin is staying on his wheel.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:17:30.123Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"fcb08962-c563-42e6-9b1c-bd8a4d8fef78\">No signs of any attacks in the peloton yet, with Lidl-Trek controlling matters.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:17:08.637Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f9dfab5a-e436-4cf7-89a4-34408b065624\">The lead group is breaking up on this climb. First Tratnik, then Bayer and now Alaphilippe have lost contact.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:15:41.975Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d427446c-9b37-4f6f-b9f4-defae54cfeff\">Alaphilippe has been caught by the chasing quartet.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:15:25.726Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"874439ad-1ed7-4d41-b8f4-6edc9f76a455\">After Almeida&#8217;s move earlier, we can anticipate him having another go.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:15:01.023Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"88583cb1-dd11-41c4-b042-dcfc78bc6ca4\">The riders are on the Soidos climb for the second time. Will we see any GC attacks?<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:14:28.401Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c0484e2c-1d2e-41a8-b2d6-ffe1b0f3f813\">Alaphilippe&#8217;s last win came from a similar long-distence move at the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/races\/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-2025\/elite-men\/results\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/races\/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-2025\/elite-men\/results\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GP de Montreal last year<\/a>, but chances of a repeat success are disappearing as his lead gets smaller and smaller.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:11:49.187Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f719af8a-85cd-4a19-ba33-83a20b016575\">Julian Alaphilippe at the front of the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WgotAugJeSVVuPAK5vy7Me.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Julian Alaphilippe of France and Team Tudor Pro Cycling competes in the breakaway during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WgotAugJeSVVuPAK5vy7Me.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WgotAugJeSVVuPAK5vy7Me.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:09:13.765Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"dba1d99f-ae71-4cce-bde1-d2334d8e1df3\">Lipowitz and especially Vauquelin are real threats on GC, the former 1:17 down on Ayuso, and the latter just 57 seconds. For now, the peloton has them under control, but can&#8217;t afford the deficit of 30 to grow much larger.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:07:43.916Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"5dc8a3b1-6625-4f5f-a659-462d78bf9966\">Decathlon have put a person at the front of the peloton to assist Lidl-Trek with the chase, in service of Paul Seixas.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:06:50.452Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d5da5f2d-a5e2-4b29-bb2a-ae6b93f5e2a6\">Talking of which, there are two more climbs left to come &#8211; and they\u2019re the same two climbs as were tackled earlier in the stage, with the stage finish taking place at the summit of the Alto do Malh\u00e3o.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:05:55.516Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"6bd47748-2e31-431c-b6c8-73f3242b369c\">Alaphilippe, meanwhile, is flying, keeping his lead at 1:00 over the chasers and 1:30 over the peloton. But we know how the Frenchman likes to race, pushing himself to the limit at the risk of burning out later on &#8211; don\u2019t be surprised to see him run out of matches on the upcoming climbs.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:04:12.357Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c2e32cc7-6094-49a5-ae1e-6ba402382dc9\">Despite having the peloton bearing down on them, the four chasers aren&#8217;t giving up and working well together. It\u2019s a useful move for Lipowitz, who can depend on his teammate Tratnik to pace him.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:03:00.996Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"49e674ad-26e0-48a6-bc77-8bc703615086\">Amid the breathless action, it\u2019s easy to forget that other races have taken place this afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Recently finished are the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/vuelta-a-andalucia-tom-pidcock-descends-to-final-stage-win-as-ivan-romeo-holds-on-for-overall\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/vuelta-a-andalucia-tom-pidcock-descends-to-final-stage-win-as-ivan-romeo-holds-on-for-overall\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">final stage of the Ruta del Sol<\/a>, and the <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-des-alpes-maritimes-late-surge-on-final-climb-sees-paul-lapeira-take-first-victory-of-the-season-on-home-soil\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-des-alpes-maritimes-late-surge-on-final-climb-sees-paul-lapeira-take-first-victory-of-the-season-on-home-soil\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tour des Alpes-Maritimes classic<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T15:00:32.771Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"cda1c96e-28f4-4660-87c8-684f58892bda\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida, laying down the hammer on the last climb.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ESzu5GcAok3fjLXVfDtm9C.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Joao Almeida of Portugal and UAE Team Emirates - XRG competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ESzu5GcAok3fjLXVfDtm9C.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ESzu5GcAok3fjLXVfDtm9C.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:56:51.671Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"982e60a6-3a23-4add-b87d-0372ce634df7\">That quartet is 1:30 behind Alaphilippe in the lead, and only 15 seconds ahead of the peloton.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-30km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>30KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:56:15.148Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"891cbefc-3c80-45f2-9061-87bc9cec2136\">Lipowitz and Vauqulin have caught Bayer, who had previosuly caught Tratnik, and the four riders are now all riding together.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:55:25.240Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TSFy55VfWWXrq4Uh8h6o7R.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: A general view of the peloton passing through a landscape while fans cheers during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TSFy55VfWWXrq4Uh8h6o7R.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TSFy55VfWWXrq4Uh8h6o7R.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:54:43.791Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f8fbebc0-e88a-4b1d-87df-7e7eefdf5cce\">The peloton now has about 20 or 30 riders in it, including three Lidl teammates pacing Ayuso.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:53:19.152Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"117659ad-e8cc-4628-9df1-7a5a257b1740\">That&#8217;s bad new also for Alaphilippe, who now has to ride all by himself.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:51:55.826Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"82ed8046-5f0a-4bf2-af94-bc471071c46e\">He went down heavily, and may have to abandon.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:51:26.482Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"22b3c350-9064-41a0-807e-034678c9a48b\">Ther German got a corner wrong while following Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:51:09.301Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b1cea67b-3a09-4a9c-8583-f294da38cd48\">Max Schachmann has gone down on the descent.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-crash-schachmann\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>CRASH &#8211; SCHACHMANN<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:48:59.029Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c384c182-9a1a-43d2-adf6-1da5c2afc2ce\">Up ahead, Tratnik has gone clear of Bayer and is third on the road, 20 seconds behind the two leaders.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:48:31.590Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b2f8dd75-3e9f-43dc-831e-586ff76a2263\">Ayuso now has three riders to help pace him at the front of the group of favourites, which is big enough to be called a &#8216;peloton&#8217; again.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:47:31.236Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"68305b4d-f4b0-4cbb-8fbf-18490abe713f\">The yellow jersey group is getting bigger as more riders rejoin following the climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:43:58.567Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b43aa25a-f247-481a-a261-f64a1ad73eee\">So as things stand, Schachmann and Alaphilippe lead by 1:45 ahead of a small group of favourites featuring Ayuso, Seixas, Almeida and a few others, with Lipowitz and Vauquelin a little ahead of the group of favourites, and Tratnik and Bayer a little behind the two leaders.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-40km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>40KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:42:01.655Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f2687daa-8180-4a22-a4a7-892d9c82fc6c\">Lipowitz and Vauquelin have attacked on clear on the descent.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:41:07.606Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"15683f35-1c37-478f-8a80-3874aa4237c8\">This 8-man group of favourites have made it to the top, about 1:50 behind Schachmann and Alaphilippe.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:40:33.130Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b3bc532b-7466-462a-a8d7-0282fee5b4b3\">Almeida attacks again over the summit of the climb. He clearly means business, and has ambitions on yellow.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:40:04.735Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f1dc4af5-f84d-4baa-a2fb-cc8b58b0c234\">Almeida has slowed, and some riders are rejoining. All the main GC men appear to be here.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:39:35.112Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"46727328-fc81-4601-8299-816070d1fb16\">Almeida has only about 5 riders with him &#8211; Ayuso is on his wheel, followed by Seixas.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:39:03.979Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"552c5b32-10e4-4b72-b20d-b1eefde83943\">Jo\u00e3o Almeida is taking it upon himself to lead the peloton on this climb! He\u2019s setting a fast pace, and the peloton is getting smaller and smaller as a result.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:36:37.917Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c6bd905a-29d2-4e18-b1d2-75e6ddb97961\">Schachmann and Alaphilippe are really wanting to push on on this clmb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:36:14.449Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"cb73218b-5093-47f9-bb08-c5bb17d58680\">Tratnik and Bayer are 10 seconds behind, and Van Boven a distant 20 seconds already.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:35:43.092Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"07182109-a9bf-4819-8d78-af9f698ec545\">Schachmann and Alaphilippe are distancing the rest of the break on this climb.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:34:56.309Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8f340c9f-e1d4-40a4-9199-01626d580236\">The riders are approaching the second climb of the day, the Alto do Malh\u00e3o, which will also host the finish in under 50km\u2019s time. It\u2019s harder than the last, longer at 2.6km, and steeper at 9%.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:33:21.887Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"54691ee2-4043-4893-b848-c26189a25b2c\">With Red Bull also having Dani Mart\u00ednez up in 6th on GC at 1:12, Lipowitz\u2019s attack could be a sign that the team plan to attack in tandem with their two GC threats.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:30:55.758Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"e11b509c-d9a6-4dec-a14e-a5ae17632e37\">Lipowitz has been brought back. It was a bold move, albeit short-lived &#8211; but indicates that more attacks could come on the upcoming climbs, with the peloton struggling to keep this race under control.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:30:09.029Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"ae2ed397-5f67-4d08-97f6-f2041b8e17cd\">Up ahead, the break&#8217;s advantage has been reduced, to 2 minutes. The peloton is fighting back.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-50km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>50KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:29:06.137Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a6becc3c-344b-432f-b156-f7503440f40b\">Here\u2019s Lipowitz making his move.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Q6NacqPdLTHcr3zJse4mpf.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Florian Lipowitz of Germany and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Q6NacqPdLTHcr3zJse4mpf.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Q6NacqPdLTHcr3zJse4mpf.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:27:58.077Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"0f55ae04-fb56-4a5b-99ba-f56f546661f9\">Lipowitz is 8th on GC at just 1:17, so a significant threat.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:27:24.946Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"3ec84a4e-bfdb-4dc7-bef8-53a011697b7f\">More drama, as Florian Lipowitz uses the climb to launch an attack out of the peloton!<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:26:25.927Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"605bcdb2-040b-4d7e-9ab1-c737eeb2f36f\">Schachmann led the break over the summit, ahead of Alaphilippe and Tratnik. None of these riders had any KOM points before the stage &#8211; the focus instead is on both the GC and the stage win.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-kom-soidos\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>KOM &#8211; SOIDOS<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:24:53.723Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d5cbfd4f-de1d-4123-8c34-1620c4d647e8\">While race leader Juan Ayuso is the main man under threat by Schachmann\u2019s presence in their breakaway, Paul Seixas (pictured here in white) is also poised to lose his chance of competing for the jersey if the peloton can\u2019t bring him back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nkMBAfomed7dojiV5XFE9D.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Paul Seixas of France and Team Decathlon CMA CGM - White best young jersey competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nkMBAfomed7dojiV5XFE9D.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nkMBAfomed7dojiV5XFE9D.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:18:14.101Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1d78e853-00a2-46fc-b932-e38378b31d13\">Lidl-Trek riding at the front of the peloton in defence of Juan Ayuso&#8217;s overall lead, the hurt clearly showing on their faces.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4qUTxdLFjFD58wscjkLyFG.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Hector Alvarez of Spain and Team Lidl - Trek competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4qUTxdLFjFD58wscjkLyFG.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4qUTxdLFjFD58wscjkLyFG.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:15:44.079Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1bb7bc11-7a52-451c-b78b-93c82f1814d0\">The riders are on the first climb of the day &#8211; the Soidos, which rises at 7% for 2.1km.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:10:51.536Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b9f74f82-9588-4797-820f-6cf845af26a8\">The gap\u2019s still getting bigger, now up to 2:30. At what point should panic set in among Ayuso and everyone else who wanted to go for the yellow jersey today?<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:08:12.519Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"244545c6-aac5-4556-afd5-9f90059bb9c1\">Here is Schachmann, pushing on at the front of the breakaway.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6FWfESTzUZyUTsUiKPm6hh.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Maximilian Schachmann of Germany and Team Soudal Quick-Step competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6FWfESTzUZyUTsUiKPm6hh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6FWfESTzUZyUTsUiKPm6hh.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:06:35.371Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"dd8cd2c0-92ac-44f2-9ebb-2f7f6981500f\">Interesting development here as the break&#8217;s lead has rocketed up to over 2:10 in the space of just a few kilometres. Schachmann is now the virtual leader, and by almost 30 seconds &#8211; the peloton can\u2019t afford to allow the gap to continue to grow.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T14:01:02.286Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f50dc396-3582-4277-a967-7090f5e7db4e\">The break\u2019s lead has edged just a little higher, to 1:40. That puts Schachmann on the brink of becoming the virtual yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-70km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>70KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:59:53.209Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"70e8e6d7-6c4a-439c-bcdc-2f423423a346\">The five riders in the day&#8217;s break You can tell just by looking at them how hard they&#8217;ve had to ride to maintain their advantage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ztVDAmbQKpFANJiUe6M5Ab.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Tobias Bayer of Austria and Team Alpecin-Premier Tech competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ztVDAmbQKpFANJiUe6M5Ab.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ztVDAmbQKpFANJiUe6M5Ab.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:57:07.676Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1c497dc0-19c3-4381-aab1-9485f32e92cd\">The terrain has been bumpy throughout the day, but the first of the four official climbs to be tackled is only just coming up, in about 15km.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:53:56.013Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"107e1fcf-db92-49da-8195-6823577ccfd5\">This was Filippo Ganna earlier in the stage, trying to go clear. The bunch succeeded in bringing him back, but a dangerous group has managed to go clear nonetheless.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yym8GrvsTNQLMAHvfveDqj.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Filippo Ganna of Italy and Team INEOS Grenadiers competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yym8GrvsTNQLMAHvfveDqj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yym8GrvsTNQLMAHvfveDqj.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:48:21.490Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/W7XrCCmTFt6VkhoyEQnDR8.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Stan Dewulf of Belgium and Team Decathlon CMA CGM competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/W7XrCCmTFt6VkhoyEQnDR8.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/W7XrCCmTFt6VkhoyEQnDR8.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:47:10.769Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"2f1aee0a-672e-478b-8013-e31144e0e434\">The breakaway riders continue to increase their lead. It&#8217;s now at 1:35, putting Schachmann to within 10 seconds of the virtual overall lead.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:39:52.332Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"0b7753eb-1301-4638-b486-4b05185ac549\">Prior to this five-man break going clear, there was a flurry of short-lived attacks at the start of today\u2019s stage, including this one from Marijn van den Berg.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.60%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CqjWy37TQA9PTJLvGvamLm.jpg\" alt=\"LOULE, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Marijn van den Berg of Netherlands and Team EF Education - EasyPost competes during the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Loule, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CqjWy37TQA9PTJLvGvamLm.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CqjWy37TQA9PTJLvGvamLm.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:37:22.155Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"bed21f43-7099-45c3-abff-1c042ae1adbf\">Despite Lidl&#8217;s work, the Schachmann group is now growing it&#8217;s lead, to just over a minute.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:35:49.939Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d2da8323-9449-4a3f-950b-9232c875f704\">In response to the threat, it\u2019s Ayuso Lidl\u2019s team that are leading the chase in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:34:40.164Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"70d2716a-757b-4c39-b0ab-ba61e27420dc\">One issue for the break is that the GC favourites can\u2019t afford to give Max Schachmann. The German is only 1:45 down on GC, and therefore won\u2019t be allowed that much time by Ayuso and the others defending their places on GC.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:32:35.619Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"cc1029d9-1039-4706-a71d-4919d8789ce7\">Still the situation remains in the balence, with the break about 40 seconds ahead of the bunch. It&#8217;s been a breathless start to the stage.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-90km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>90KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:29:24.681Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.11%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fpjtz8pZXU6ZEWhNb6UPKQ.jpg\" alt=\"FARO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Tomas Contte of Argentina and Team Aviludo - Louletano - Loul&amp;eacute; - Blue Mountain Jersey, Juan Ayuso of Spain and Team Lidl - Trek - Yellow leader jersey, Paul Magnier of France and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green Points Jersey and Paul Seixas of France and Team Decathlon CMA CGM prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fpjtz8pZXU6ZEWhNb6UPKQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fpjtz8pZXU6ZEWhNb6UPKQ.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:28:09.379Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d96f4019-7dc5-4101-998b-6906796cffe7\">The break has gone through the second intermediate sprint of the day and hoovered up all the bonus seconds, so Juan Ayuso wasn\u2019t called into action once again in the peloton.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:24:32.022Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"3bcc72c4-8bb1-44e5-bccd-ddcca723052f\">The gap remains about the same, hovering at 40 seconds. It remains touch and go whether the peloton will let them go clear.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-100km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>100KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:23:17.964Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"4845b164-6917-4471-aea4-49eddc05bef9\">Historically, steep uphill finishes like today&#8217;s are the kind that Alaphilippe would eat up, so he\u2019d really fancy his chances of winning if the break does indeed stay clear. But Schachmann also has a powerful kick, while not as explosive a puncheur, Tratnik could be very hard to bring back if he manages to slip off and ride tempo on the less hilly terrain.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:17:08.747Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"9f761011-a3e8-4d95-af5a-048c2866181b\">The gap is growing, to 45 seconds. This might indeed be our break.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:14:14.525Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"b185a2f0-2322-47b8-aee3-ec2fb1c3b7b1\">First, they have to snap the elastic between themselves and the peloton. They haven\u2019t yet, the gap still at only 25 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:13:22.817Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"413dc5b8-8ccb-4038-91cc-6a8778e18d0b\">That\u2019s a much more illustrious group than those which have formed in previous stages. Could they be in with a chance of competing for the stage win?<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:12:24.879Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"db3273ee-8a7e-46d6-8620-ba263139513e\">It\u2019s a strong group, too. Julian Alaphilippe, Max Schachmann and Jan Tratnik are there, along with Tobias Bayer and Luca Van Boven.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:11:16.280Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"f406c2ae-ea3a-4752-9b70-5964e74c7904\">A break of five has now been established at the front, and has a promising lead of about 20 seconds.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-110km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>110KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:09:39.374Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"6ec85c26-d9da-479f-a850-882e8e1acb89\">Magnier at the start today, in the green jersey he is seeking to defend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vee7Bhjn9BwsbhdcWyBbqZ.jpg\" alt=\"FARO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Paul Magnier of France and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green Points Jersey prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vee7Bhjn9BwsbhdcWyBbqZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Vee7Bhjn9BwsbhdcWyBbqZ.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:05:42.908Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"26074053-4891-42b3-a235-0b97fb6d7e4f\">While Ayuso was sprinting for the bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint, Paul Magnier was doing so to defend his lead in the points classification. Here\u2019s what those rankings look like now:<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1 Paul Magnier 53 points<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">2 Jordi Meeus 40<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">3 Paul Seixas 25<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">4 Juan Ayuso 25<\/p>\n<p>5 Jo\u00e3o Almeida 16<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">6 Pavel Bittner 16<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T13:00:17.659Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1d332551-730f-417b-96a8-dcb087abbf80\">We&#8217;re almost 30km into the stage, and still the break has not been formed. This has been a less straightforward start than all of the stages preceding it.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-120km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>120KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:59:05.280Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"3b78bd97-00e1-40d8-a170-8132356a73ce\">Following Ant\u00f3nio Morgado\u2019s DNS, we have a first DNF of the day &#8211; Jo\u00e3o Silva, who was present in both the stage one and stage four breakaways.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:58:41.775Z<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/G2ueC5EeXbkyZsGchT2H4B.jpg\" alt=\"FARO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: A general view of the peloton competing prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/G2ueC5EeXbkyZsGchT2H4B.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/G2ueC5EeXbkyZsGchT2H4B.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:54:59.651Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1d51747b-3fed-453f-ae43-2515049945e9\">Filippo Ganna is among those to have attacked, trying to go clear with Hugo Nunes, but has been brought back.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:53:26.077Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8162e60c-6356-4e4e-9feb-e622cf6b4f01\">The Volta ao Algarve is one of three stage races that comes to a close today. The first was the UAE Tour, which recently finished &#8211; you can read <a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uae-tour-jonathan-milan-takes-final-stage-sprint-win-as-isaac-del-toro-secures-overall-victory\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uae-tour-jonathan-milan-takes-final-stage-sprint-win-as-isaac-del-toro-secures-overall-victory\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">our report<\/a> to find out how it went down.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:46:13.028Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d62d1e90-b445-41fd-a478-acf631e253cd\">It seems the Lotto duo who went clear are no longer out front, and a breakaway has yet to form.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-130km-to-go\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>130KM TO GO<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:39:56.452Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"fcd4c107-3d34-4f28-a3bf-acc5fabb351c\">One second might not be much, but it&#8217;s a good confidence boost for Ayuso, and turns a potentially stressful situation into an advantage.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:39:05.723Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"71afbd80-4293-4269-b9a6-7f5e8a6536f5\">Ayuso got in the mix for the sprint &#8211; and successfully so! He was third over the line behind Magnier and I\u00fari Leit\u00e3o, and therefore adds 1 second to his overall lead.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:36:12.952Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"45430805-b95a-4319-a82f-e3c7b4e26d43\">Two riders have gone clear after that sprint &#8211; Arnaud De Lie, and his Lotto teammate Huub Artz.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:35:17.658Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1f7e85b3-6b02-4409-a346-e727e4ff0cfc\">The riders have gone through the sprint. We&#8217;ll confirm the results once they are reported.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:33:41.221Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"1512d256-6067-4086-8b71-665e53607738\">John Degenkolb has needed to change wheels.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:32:23.679Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"e8ea3c0b-5397-4674-84aa-f2987da6ffad\">The question now is whether Paul Seixas will try to challenge Juan Ayuso for some seconds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Ayuso should be OK, as he&#8217;s a quick sprinter himself, and has specialist Tim Torn Teutenberg to also defend the points, but will need to be attentive.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:28:53.285Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"d3b78ebd-5cd6-44eb-aae3-56a62e6e6f2b\">But Ivanov has been brought back. It looks like we&#8217;re going to have a sprint in the peloton for these bonus seconds at the intermediate sprint.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:27:53.171Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"985e4211-b561-49b5-b0f8-a28c14561fbf\">Viacheslav Ivanov has attacked alone, and got a small gap.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:25:25.575Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"0bfc013f-bfe9-4b94-9f80-7f6cba52f361\">No sign of any breakaway going clear just yet.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:18:48.790Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"66442570-d777-4d87-bc8f-983691acbb85\">And they&#8217;re off!<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-official-start\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\/>OFFICIAL START<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:14:12.972Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"030511c3-2db2-4a5a-99c4-dbaaf89b5e43\">Ayuso and Magnier, waiting at the unofficial start a little earlier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nVSDNV6kdW5ahqSYHeh67m.jpg\" alt=\"FARO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Juan Ayuso of Spain and Team Lidl - Trek - Yellow leader jersey and Paul Magnier of France and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green Points Jersey prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nVSDNV6kdW5ahqSYHeh67m.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/nVSDNV6kdW5ahqSYHeh67m.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:10:56.077Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"c96ebd2a-16c0-496e-bc9a-8ba577bc53ff\">We&#8217;ll find out soon enough &#8211; the riders are moving through the neutralised zone and will see the flag very soon.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:09:04.033Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8818e438-11e9-4909-8eb1-4569e9754d3a\">Interestingly, there\u2019s an intermediate sprint within the first 10km of the start. Will the GC riders get involved to try and capture some bonus seconds?<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T12:03:01.124Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"4abb80a1-7d7a-44b8-b838-02f6dc0dc13c\">A reminder of what happened yesterday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><a data-analytics-id=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/volta-ao-algarve-paul-magnier-doubles-up-with-another-sprint-victory-on-stage-4\/\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"inline-link\" data-before-rewrite-localise=\"https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/volta-ao-algarve-paul-magnier-doubles-up-with-another-sprint-victory-on-stage-4\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Volta ao Algarve: Paul Magnier doubles up with another sprint victory on stage 4<\/a><\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T11:59:25.481Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"08ec6d93-a3e0-4d2d-9035-850289efe7e2\">One of Portugal\u2019s best riders, Ant\u00f3nio Morgado, will not start today pulling out with illness. He hasn\u2019t quite looked his best this race, but will still be missed by UAE leader Jo\u00e3o Almeida as he plots to take the overall victory today.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T11:56:43.110Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"a657815a-ec48-4bba-82ed-4302690aa4dd\">Here\u2019s yesterday\u2019s winner Paul Magier at the start this morning in Faro. Having won two stages at this race, his job is done, though he\u2019ll want to make sure he finishes safely today and seals the green jersey he\u2019s wearing as leader of the points classification.<\/p>\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\" style=\"padding-top:66.70%;\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GWQ5NdDGZGan4h5o26nd8P.jpg\" alt=\"FARO, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 22: Paul Magnier of France and Team Soudal Quick-Step - Green Points Jersey prior to the 52nd Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta 2026, Stage 5 a 148.4km stage from Faro to Malhao - Loule 512m on February 22, 2026 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Dario Belingheri\/Getty Images)\"   loading=\"lazy\" data-new-v2-image=\"true\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GWQ5NdDGZGan4h5o26nd8P.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GWQ5NdDGZGan4h5o26nd8P.jpg\" class=\"inline\"\/>\n<\/p>\n<p>(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T11:53:23.533Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"53173d6a-fdc2-49d7-abf4-f155816954c1\">The first thing to report is that there has been a correction in the GC rankings since yesterday\u2019s finish. At the time a spit of seven seconds was given in the peloton, with Seixas caught the wrong side of it and losing 7 seconds as a result. But they have now all been given the same time, meaning Seixas is just 7 seconds down on Ayuso on GC, rather than 14.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-22T11:51:18.728Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"5868c683-8b62-47d0-af00-cf6138c6cd71\">We\u2019re all set for the final stage of the Volta ao Algarve, where the fate of the yellow jersey will be determined.<\/p>\n<p>Can Juan Ayuso hold on to his overall lead? Or will Paul Seixas gain the time he needs to depose him? Or can Jo\u00e3o Almeida or one of the riders further behind pull off a surprise? The stage is set for an exciting finale.<\/p>\n<p>2026-02-17T18:31:43.820Z<\/p>\n<p id=\"8e41f495-ae69-4ed2-b51b-b1d526dbf6bd\">Hello and welcome to the fifth and final stage of the 2026 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 2026-02-22T15:44:50.434Z Thomas Gloag is a surprising fifth place at 6 seconds, while Riccitello finishes 6th at 14&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":439827,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[4985,101,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-439826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-cycling","tag-sports","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=439826"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/439826\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/439827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=439826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=439826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=439826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}