It was the 42nd edition of the Volta ao Algarve and was rated as a 2.1 event as part of the UCI Europe Tour.

The race was won by defending champion, Team Sky's Geraint Thomas.

It is followed by a summit finish on the second stage, with the climb of the Alto da Foía, the highest point in the region.

There is then a flat, 19-kilometre (12 mi) individual time trial on the third stage.

The fifth and final stage ends with the climb of the Alto do Malhaõ, traditionally the decisive point in the race.