“It's the first time we’ll be on different buses” – Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso collide as rivals for first time at the Volta ao Algarve

The 52nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve begins on Wednesday with a compelling personal storyline at its centre: the first competitive reunion between Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso since their split at UAE Team Emirates - XRG.

After previously sharing leadership duties within the same team, the two now arrive in the Algarve as rivals, with Almeida leading UAE Team Emirates - XRG and Ayuso beginning a new chapter with Lidl-Trek. With last year’s winner Jonas Vingegaard absent, their duel is set to be one of the defining threads of the week.

Speaking at the official race presentation in Albufeira, Almeida described the matchup as positive rather than adversarial.

“It’s a healthy rivalry, and we’re going to enjoy racing against each other,” he said, acknowledging the close similarities between the pair. “Juan is very good. We are similar riders, maybe he’s stronger than me in the time trial. In the mountains, we are on an equal level. I think it will be a good race and that we’ll enjoy it.”

Almeida arrives in the Algarve off the back of second place overall at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, where he was beaten only by Remco Evenepoel. He says his approach is clear, even while recognising the depth of competition.

“To give my best,” he said of his objective. “We know that winning is difficult, especially with very strong rivals, but we are prepared, feeling good, and hopefully everything will go well, without bad luck.”

The Portuguese rider also underlined the status of the race within the international calendar, calling it “a race with a lot of prestige and very high international value”. Racing on home soil adds another layer. “As it’s my home race here in Portugal, it has a special feeling, and having the people supporting us makes it even more special.”

Asked about the last Portuguese overall victory at the event, Almeida admitted: “I don’t remember the last time a Portuguese rider won here.”

For Ayuso, the Algarve marks both his senior debut in Portugal and his first appearance with Lidl-Trek. The Spaniard said he is “happy” in his new environment and noted how closely matched he and Almeida remain in temperament as well as ability.

“We are very similar in how we deal with pressure and stress. We are quite calm on the bus, but it will be the first time we’ll be on different buses,” he said.

Ayuso also highlighted the balance of the route, describing the Volta ao Algarve as “a very complete race and good for preparation”. “It has everything: a time trial, two different summit finishes, one short and explosive, another longer, two sprint stages where there will also be tension,” he explained.

The peloton departs from Vila Real de Santo Antonio on Wednesday, covering 673.7 kilometres before the traditional finish at Alto do Malhao on Sunday. Before that, attention is expected to focus on the stage featuring the ascent to Foia, climbed this year via a more demanding approach.

Almeida believes that day could be decisive. “It’s the stage that suits me best. This year it’s a much harder climb, which suits me and Juan. The time trial is very good for pure specialists. Malhao also suits me well, it’s a very tough stage and anything can happen.”

Ayuso shares that assessment. “It’s a very hard climb. It’s the day where the biggest differences can be made,” he said.

As the Volta ao Algarve begins, the stage is set for a closely matched duel between two riders who know each other well, now separated by team colours but united by ambition.