35th Volta ao Algarve

Written by Gino on February 20, 2009 – 4:03 pm -

Every year, around this time, international cycle racing comes to the Algarve. This week, for the 35th time, the “Volta ao Algarve”, the Tour of the Algarve for professional cycle racers is being organised. The race started on Wednesday, and will end the day after tomorrow, on Sunday. Today, the third stage had its start in Vila Réal de Santo António, just around the corner from where I live.

Having grown up in Belgium, in a family with cycle race addicts, every year, I go and watch at least one time the start or the finish of a stage in this race. So this morning, I was in Vila Réal de Santo António and, as every year, I enjoyed being there. Obviously I took some pictures, and I am sure at least one person in Belgium will enjoy them as well. He probably will be a bit envious of not having been here today. I am talking about my father. So dad, I put these pictures below especiously for you…

Tomorrow, the fourth stage of the Tour of the Algarve is a time trial, between Castro Marim and Tavira. On pretty hilly roads, where I always suffer when going out on my mountain bike. I will be somewhere along the road, watching these professional athletes on their bikes, at speeds I can only dream off…

Enjoy the pictures below…