MessengerAlgarve Granfondo 2026
Event summary
The Algarve Granfondo 2026 is a long-distance open cycling event taking place on February 21, 2026, in Lagos, Portugal. The event features two main distances: approximately 130 km for the Granfondo and 90 km for the Mediofondo, both held on open roads with a maximum time limit of 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete the race.
This event is open to licensed competitive cyclists, federated participants under the Cycling for All category, and non-licensed cyclists aged 19 and older for Granfondo, and 17 and older for Mediofondo. Professional athletes may participate only by invitation and do not compete for prizes. The Algarve Granfondo is part of the national calendar and integrates activities of the Volta ao Algarve in Bicicleta, offering a non-competitive, leisure-oriented experience with electronic timing and individual time rankings.
The race offers unique scenic routes through Algarve’s landscapes with significant elevation gains (about 2000m for Granfondo and 1300m for Mediofondo), making it an inspiring challenge. The atmosphere is festive and social, emphasizing tourism, culture, and enjoyment over competition. The event also provides a structured start with several boxes for participants and invites guests to join in a premium category.
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Age categories/divisions:
• Sub23 Male and Female (19-22 years)
• Elites Male and Female (23-29 years)
• Master 30 Male and Female (30-39 years)
• Master 40 Male and Female (40-49 years)
• Master 50 Male and Female (50-59 years)
• Master 60 Male and Female (60+ years)
• Paracycling C and H (single category)
Start/finish locations: Start and finish in Lagos, near the finish of the Saturday stage of the Volta ao Algarve.
Start times per category/distance: Official start at 08:30 on February 21, 2026; Granfondo and Mediofondo start simultaneously.
Cut-off times: Maximum finish time is 5 hours and 30 minutes; race control closes at 14:00.
Bib pick-up time and location: February 20 from 18:00 to 22:00 and February 21 from 07:00 to 08:00 at a location to be announced.
Participants limit: Maximum of 1500 participants combined across both distances, plus up to 100 invited guests.
Registration deadline: February 16, 2025, 23:59 local time or until participant limit is reached.
Surface types: Road cycling on open public roads.
Course format: Single-stage Granfondo and Mediofondo with mass start and controlled pace for first 2 km, then free pace.
Race routes:
• Granfondo: ~130 km with ~2000 m elevation gain.
• Mediofondo: ~90 km with ~1300 m elevation gain.
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with mandatory chip use and multiple control points.
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations will be placed at locations to be announced, providing liquids and solids; toilets available at start/finish and transitions.
Prizes: Trophies for the top three in each category; winners of Granfondo overall receive leader’s jersey similar to Volta ao Algarve yellow jersey; participation medals and official gifts; lunch included.
Location
get directionsRaces
Road Cycling Granfondo Licensed
Road Cycling Mediofondo Licensed
Road Cycling Granfondo Non licensed
Road Cycling Mediofondo Non licensed
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number, front bike plate, official gifts
🏅 Finisher prize: medal and lunch included
⏱️ Timing + live results with electronic chip timing
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance teams and mechanical assistance along the course
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and liability insurance included
🥤 Aid stations: supply of liquids and solids at designated points
🚿 Showers available at the venue
📸 Use of participant images authorized for promotional purposes
🏆 Trophies awarded to top three finishers per category
