Record number of WorldTour teams down for 47th Volta ao Algarve
The 47th Volta ao Algarve, takes place from 17th to 21st February, with 25 teams at the start, including 14 WorldTour teams and the highest ever participation of first division Portuguese teams in the race
The quality of the organization, the international media coverage of the race, the excellent quality of the Algarve hotels and the security of the destination Portugal, particularly the Algarve region, in times of pandemic, justify the interest from the international peloton.
The selection of the peloton was based on criteria of sporting quality, relevance of the teams for Portuguese cycling and representativeness of the main tourism board in the Algarve.
The twelve WorldTour teams that participated in the 2020 edition will participate again in 2021:
Astana-Premier Tech (KAZ)
Bora-hangrohe (GER)
Cofidis (FRA)
Deceuninck-Quick-Step (BEL)
Groupama-FDJ (FRA)
INEOS-Grenadiers (GBR)
Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux (BEL)
Israel Start-Up Nation (ISR)
Lotto Soudal (BEL)
Team DSM (GER)
Trek-Segafredo (USA)
UAE Team Emirates (UAE)
Jumbo-Visma (NED) and Movistar Team (ESP) will also join the race in 2021.
14 teams are the best 9 teams in the 2020 world tour ranking.
Two ProTeams with a strong links to Portuguese cycling: Caja Rural-Seguros RGA (ESP) and Rally Cycling (USA), are invited.
Also invited are Portuguese continental teams: Atum General-Tavira-Maria Nova Hotel, Efapel, Feirense, Kelly-Simoldes-UDO, LA Alumínios-LA Sport, Louletano-Loulé Concelho, Rádio Popular-Boavista, Tavfer-Measindot-Mortágua e W52-FC Porto.
Last year, Remco Evenepoel secured the Volta ao Algarve overall victory with fastest final time trial. He also won stage 2 the first big uphill win on the Alto da Foia in 2020.