Category: Previews

Vila Real de Santo António > Tavira 32.2km ITT This is a very long time trial for a five-day race. The gaps between the riders will be huge and this stage will shape the GC battle. The route is relatively flat, there is an uphill section in the middle, but the gradients won’t worry any...

Lucena > Villa de Otura 152.5km The easiest stage of the race. The opening 65km has a series of climbs, but they don’t look hard enough for any team to go full gas. I think the race will settle down early, with UAE looking to chase the break. The problem for UAE is they only...

Almodôvar > Faro 211.2km At 211km, this a long stage, prefect preparation for those soon heading for the classics. With just 2100m of climbing, this is an easy stage, and should really end in a sprint. However, there will be some who see this as a good shot at the breakaway. We now have lots...

Archidona > Alcalá la Real 150.5km After today’s craziness, we go again. It was a perfect example of why riders go in the break, even when everyone thinks it doesn’t stand a chance. Hats off to all the breakaway riders and Rune Herregodts. It now means that Sport – Vlaanderen – Baloise are in control...

Albufeira > Fóia 182.3km The second stage is one we all know well, the uphill finish in Fóia. Nothing much will happen throughout the day, then it all kicks off with 30km to go. Weather Lots of sun and not much wind, perfect conditions for the riders. As usual, there will be a headwind for...

The stage race season begins for the women’s peloton with the sixth edition of Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. The four stages involve one sprint, one mountaintop finish and two punchy days. With a start list full of the best riders in the world, the racing should be exciting and full of aggression. Stage 1 Too hard...

Ubrique > Iznáiar 200.6km The race begins with a funny looking stage. We have 3547m of climbing, but a lot of that comes right at the start of the day, the rest of the route is undulating, but without big gradients. How the bunch ride the opening climb will determine the race we get. Will...

Now for something a little different! The organisers have made significant changes to the race, out goes a big mountain stage and in comes lots of punchy days. I can’t remember the last time I saw a big race look like this; I’m hoping it encourages attacking racing. Some teams arrive with hugely talented squads,...

Portimão > Lagos 199.3km The opening stage of this race usually ends in a big sprint, but maybe not this year. The route is straightforward, but the weather might have other plans. Weather The wind will reach a maximum of 25km/h and will come from the north-west. Most of the opening 130km will be into...

It’s the 48th edition of the race and we have a very familiar looking route, but the organisers did decide to increase the length of the TT. Two sprints, two punchy stages and a TT, it’s a nice mix for a five-day race. Stage 1 The race begins with a sprint stage in Lagos, Fabio...