Preview and profiles: Volta ao Algarve brings in star-studded sprinter and time-trialist field to Portugal

In southern Portugal this week we have the Volta ao Algarve, the race that brings the most pristine list of riders in the Iberic nation. During the five days of racing the peloton will go through a set of stages that provide opportunities for many different types of riders to succeed, in a peloton full of big hitters, where a win will be very hard to obtain.

The race will have two sprint stages finishing in Lagos (stage 1) and Faro (stage 3), a long time-trial on the fourth stage which features 32 kilometers against the clock and two summit finishes. One of them suited to the climbers at the Alto da Fóia with 7.7Km at 6.1% and the final day is also for the climbers but with the ascent to the Alto do Malhão being short enough for the puncheurs to also have a saying.

The overall fight will include the likes of Remco Evenepoel, Kasper Asgreen, Daniel Martínez, Geraint Thomas, Tom Pidcock, Sergio Higuita, Ion Izagirre, David Gaudu, Tobias Foss, Brandon McNulty, Warren Barguil, Amaro Antunes and José Neves.

As for the sprints they'll be heavily contested aswell, with the likes of Fabio Jakobsen, Tim Merlier, Alexander Kristoff, Jordi Meeus, Davide Cimolai, Bryan Coquard, Juan Sebastián Molano, Iuri Leitão and Hugo Hofstetter to be the main men to watch out for.

You will be able to keep up with the race here on CyclingUpToDate as we bring you race reports and interviews on a daily basis.