It was supposed to be a sprint, and a sprint it was in the first stage of the Volta ao Algarve 2026. The 183 kilometers from Vila Real de Santo António to Tavira ended with a bunch sprint that rewarded Paul Magnier, who did well to prevail over Jordi Meeus and Pavel Bittner, giving Soudal Quick-Step their first victory of the season.

For the French sprinter, this is the 25th career victory and the conquest of the first leader's jersey in the Portuguese race, even if the symbol of the lead already appears to be in the balance in view of the uphill finish in Fóia scheduled for the second stage.

The big loser of the day was Jasper Philipsen, only fourth.