Volta ao Algarve tests the Golden Kilometer

The Golden Kilometer has been added to the Volta ao Algarve in 2026. This was reported by Het Laatste Nieuws. The organization of the Portuguese stage race is adopting the concept from several Belgian races, where this bonus-kilometer has been used for many years.

The Golden Kilometer was first introduced during the Baloise Belgium Tour in 2015. In the finale of a stage, somewhere in the last 25 kilometers, there are three bonus sprints within one kilometer. The first three riders in all of these sprints earn three, two, and one second respectively.

After its success in the Baloise Belgium Tour, this format was applied later that same year, now over ten years ago, during the Eneco Tour. This made the Golden Kilometer a staple in these races.

At the Volta ao Algarve, the Golden Kilometer will return in the opening stage between Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira on February 18. The rest of the race will feature another sprint stage, two mountain-top finishes, and an individual time trial. Jonas Vingegaard won the Volta ao Algarve last year.