IN PICTURES: VOLTA AO ALGARVE
Photographer Chris Auld captures the action as the peloton basks in some winter sunshine at the five-stage Volta ao Algarve
Like most tourist hotspots in southern Europe in midFebruary, the Algarve initially felt quite dormant: hotel lobbies echoed and crystal blue pools lay perfectly still. Yet there were signs this verdant hemline poking out into the North Atlantic was waking from winter slumber. Hundreds of north Europeanregistered motor homes had migrated south enjoy the warm sunshine – and perhaps enjoy some of the oranges that gleamed like jewels in the orchards.
The Algarve is best known for its beaches, hotels and golf courses but the Volta ao Algarve route shows the region is far more diverse than its all-inclusive reputation: the race showed the beauty of the coast, historic ports and hilly interior. The ambiance of the organisation was relaxed, laid back and welcoming. It reminded me of provincial French races like the Tour du Limousin. Yet the crowds were out. Fans packed the city centre finishes and the locals who trekked up to the Alto do Malhão did so to have a party. It was the same story all week: there was a lively atmosphere wherever the race went.
The race has become an important and much loved waymarker for the big-name riders with goals deeper in the season. The winners’ list is packed with high pedigree riders and this year the start list was a veritable who’s who of Classics men and grand tour contenders. The victor was always going to be someone with sharp Classics form: step up Micha¯ Kwiatkowski, whose shrewd infiltration of the break on the final stage ensured he took the overall victory, his second here.