The only stage of the event to pass through the Algarve covers 191.8km through Loulé municipality, passing places like Pé do Coelho, Taipa, Salir, Tôr, Cruz da Assumada and Boliqueime, culminating when the cyclists cross the finish line on Avenida José da Costa Mealha at 5:25pm.

This will be the longest stage of the 84th Tour of Portugal. The last time the competition visited Loulé was in 2003, as cyclists parted from the city heading to Beja.

The return of the challenge to the municipality will “prove to be a moment of great joy as this is a land of cycling, a sport which Loulé locals are emotionally and historically linked to,” according to the press release by the council on the event. In 1988, Englishman Cayn Theakston won the 51st Tour of Portugal on Bicycle sporting the colours of the Louletano Sports Club.

The presence of this competition will also be important for the promotion of Loulé’s name internationally, as a lot of media follows the Tour. The local economy will gain a boost too, as many cycling enthusiasts and tourists are expected to come to watch the bikers’ arrival at the finish line.

The council is preparing a series of activities themed around cycling to support the Tour of Portugal’s stop there.