The third stage of the race, starting in Vila Real de Santo António, offers sprinters the advantage of 97.9 kilometres of essentially flat terrain.
The Volta ao Algarve continues this Friday with its third stage, which connects a 183.5-kilometre route between Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira.
Swiss cyclist Jan Christen (UAE Emirates) will start in yellow after taking the lead in the overall standings at the top of Fóia yesterday.
Today’s stage will provide sprinters the opportunity to score points. However, after 97.9 essentially flat kilometres, climbers will also put in some effort. In the second half of the race, there are two mountain climbs: one at kilometre 98 in Mercador and another at kilometre 140 in Faz Fato.
Before the final sprint, the flying finish line at Vila Real de Santo António will award bonus seconds at kilometre 158.9.
Jan Christen should have no difficulty retaining the yellow jersey, as he is four seconds ahead of his Portuguese teammate João Almeida, with Belgian Laurens de Plus (INEOS) in third place, 13 seconds behind.
Following the cancellation of the inaugural stage, the third stage will be the first opportunity for the fastest men in the peloton to celebrate. The usual arrival at Avenida Zeca Afonso in Tavira is set for 16:40.
The third stage of the Volta ao Algarve started at noon this Friday at Praça Marquês de Pombal in VRSA. It will be broadcast on RTP2 and Eurosport2 from 15:00.
The Official Roadbook of the 51st Volta ao Algarve is available here.