Volta a Portugal
Encyclopedia
The Volta a Portugal em bicicleta is a long distance road bicycle race for professionals held in Portugal
. The competition takes place annually during a two-week span.
the race would be stopped again, during the period 1942-1945. In 1975 due to the Carnation Revolution
the competition was skipped.
In the period 1940-1980 the competition was held during three weeks. Since the 80s it was reduced to the period of two weeks. As of 2005 the race consisted only of ten stages. It is one of the eldest races by stages in the world. Although not so important as the three Grand Tours
, it is an important competition that in the last few years has been losing importance, specially due the fact that in the most recent period it takes place immediately after the Tour de France
, and before the Vuelta a España
, avoiding the participation of major teams and cyclists.
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. The competition takes place annually during a two-week span.
History
The competition started in 1927, however its second edition only occurred in 1931. In 1936 and 1937 the tour would not take place. During the WW2World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the race would be stopped again, during the period 1942-1945. In 1975 due to the Carnation Revolution
Carnation Revolution
The Carnation Revolution , also referred to as the 25 de Abril , was a military coup started on 25 April 1974, in Lisbon, Portugal, coupled with an unanticipated and extensive campaign of civil resistance...
the competition was skipped.
In the period 1940-1980 the competition was held during three weeks. Since the 80s it was reduced to the period of two weeks. As of 2005 the race consisted only of ten stages. It is one of the eldest races by stages in the world. Although not so important as the three Grand Tours
Grand Tour (cycling)
In road bicycle racing, a Grand Tour refers to one of the three major European professional cycling stage races:* Tour de France – Tour of France , held in July* Giro d'Italia – Tour of Italy , held in May...
, it is an important competition that in the last few years has been losing importance, specially due the fact that in the most recent period it takes place immediately after the Tour de France
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
, and before the Vuelta a España
Vuelta a España
The Vuelta a España is a three-week road bicycle racing stage race that is one of the three "Grand Tours" of Europe and part of the UCI World Ranking calendar. The race lasts three weeks and attracts cyclists from around the world. The race is broken into day-long segments, called stages...
, avoiding the participation of major teams and cyclists.