In the absence of Remco Evenepoel, who will race in the United Arab Emirates next week, there will be several contenders to succeed the world champion Tour of the Algarve (2.Pro) winners from Wednesday to Sunday.
Among the favorites are the BORA-hansgrohe tandem formed by Guy Hindley and Sergio Higuita, as well as Thiemin Arinsmann and his teammate Daniel Martinez (Ineos Grenadiers), as well as the Portuguese Joao Almeida (UAE Emirates Team).
Remco Evenepoel has won the Algarve Tour in 2020 and 2022.
The track has changed slightly compared to previous versions. Two summit finals await the sprinters, the 24.4 km time trial and two stages for the sprinters. With twelve teams on the World Tour to start, including Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, Alpecin-Deceuninck and Soudal-Quick Step to represent Belgium, the organizers can boast of having a strong field, despite missing out on some big names.
However, Guy Hindley and Joao Almeida, as well as Thiemin Arensmann, will be a must-watch. Rui Costa (Inmarché-Circus-Wanty) looks to be in good shape after winning the Valencia Community Tour. Tobias Voss (Jumbo-Visma), Sergio Higuita and Daniel Martinez can surprise them, as can youngster Ilan van Wilder (Soudal’s quick-step).
With the latter, a total of 14 Belgian riders planned to start in Portimao on Wednesday. Runne Herregodts, second Sunday at the Figueira Champions Classic, his Interarché-Circus-Wanty teammate Kobe Goossens, already a two-time winner this season, and runner Jordi Meeus (BORA-hansgrohe) will have cards to play. Laurens De Plus (INEOS Grenadiers) and Quinten Hermans (Alpecin-Deceuninck) will also be in attendance.
