The sporting competitions in the Algarve get the year started at a cracking pace. The year’s first sporting competition in the Algarve to come under starter’s orders is the Grande Prémio dos Reis road race. Spectators line the streets of Faro to watch the athletes who want to get the year off to a good start by winning a medal.
In February, the international Almond Blossom Cross Country race takes place. Every year the events attracts some of the world’s top long-distance and middle-distance athletes. Wherever you are in the Algarve, you can expect to see some of the world’s best cyclists. In February, hundreds of cyclists will be pedalling along the roads of the Algarve, at Algarve Tour (Volta ao Algarve). Tour de France winners, such as Alberto Contador, have been among the cyclists competing in this classic event on the Portuguese and international cycling calendar.
In March, the most important Portuguese MTB stage race is held in Tavira - the Algarve Bike Challenge, with fantastic routes in the interior of the Algarve.
If you’re a football fan, then in addition to the national championships you must make sure not to miss the Algarve Cup. Every year this women’s championship brings together the world’s top national teams. You will be pleasantly surprised at the high quality of play and the fine goals in this fiercely-fought competition.
All year round, you can see the best riders on two wheels and the top drivers on four wheels competing in races at the Algarve International Motor Racing Circuit. The highlight is the month of September, when the top superbike riders speed round the track in the FIM Superbike World Championship, a race that counts towards the sport’s world championship.
But if calmer sports are more to your liking, you’ll be pleased to learn that many major golf tournaments are held in the Algarve. Among them is the Portugal Masters, a tournament that features on the sport’s European circuit, the “European Tour”, and which has been held at the Victoria Golf Course since 2007.
As you can see, there are world class sporting competitions in the Algarve all year round. Are you ready?