[1] The race consisted of five stages, including one summit finish (at Alto do Malhão) and one Individual time trial.

The first stage was a 166.7-kilometre (104-mile) route from Lagos to Albufeira, across generally hilly terrain, though it was expected that the race would end in a bunch sprint.

[3][4] The early break consisted of Mario González (ActiveJet), Joni Brandão (Efapel), João Benta (Louletano–Ray Just Energy) and Samuel Magalhães (Rádio Popular–Boavista), who earned a lead of almost eight minutes before they were brought back by Lotto–Soudal and Etixx–Quick-Step, seeking to set up their sprinters for the stage win.

[5] Gianni Meersman (Etixx–Quick-Step) won the sprint ahead of Ben Swift (Team Sky) and Paul Martens (LottoNL–Jumbo) and moved into the race lead.

[8] The first major breakaway was formed by Marcel Sieberg (Lotto–Soudal), Andreas Schillinger (Bora–Argon 18), Fabricio Ferrari (Caja Rural–Seguros RGA), Wesley Kreder (Team Roompot) and Ivan Balykin (RusVelo).

They built a lead of more than five minutes, but were caught in the mountainous portion of the race with more than 25 kilometres (16 miles) remaining on the stage.

The day's main break was formed by Davide Malacarne (Astana), Tony Gallopin (Lotto–Soudal), Adriano Malori (Movistar Team), Maurits Lammertink (Team Roompot), Kamil Gradek (ActiveJet), Filipe Cardoso (Efapel) and Beñat Txoperena (Murias Taldea).

Heading into the final climb, however, Thomas was supported by his teammate Richie Porte, whose pace reduced the leading group to nine riders.

[20] There was an early break of three riders: Paweł Bernas (ActiveJet), Diego Rubio (Efapel) and Imanol Estévez (Murias Taldea).

A new break then escaped, made up of Lluís Mas (Caja Rural–Seguros RGA) and Beñat Txoperena (Murias Taldea).

They were joined first by Micael Isidoro (Louletano–Ray Just Energy), and David de la Fuente (Efapel) and then also by Adriano Malori and Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar Team).

Greipel was able to win the stage in the bunch sprint, ahead of Tom Van Asbroeck (LottoNL–Jumbo) and Raymond Kreder (Team Roompot).

Kreder, however, was relegated for improper sprinting and third place on the stage went to Rüdiger Selig (Team Katusha).

For winning a stage, a rider earned 25 points, with 20 for second, 16 for third, 13 for fourth, 10 for fifth, 8 for sixth, 6 for seventh, 4 for eighth, 2 for ninth and 1 for tenth place.