Image: from Diário de Coimbra X @diariodecoimbra
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Portuguese cycling team Efapel has unveiled a significantly strengthened squad ahead of the 87th Volta a Portugal, expressing confidence that it can challenge for overall victory in the country’s most prestigious stage race.
The presentation, held in Serpins, Lousã, marked the beginning of the team’s campaign for the race, which starts on 5 August and runs until 16 August. Team officials described the 2026 roster as one of the strongest assembled by the organisation in recent years.
Ambition to win Portugal’s biggest race
Sporting director Carlos Pereira did not attempt to hide the team’s ambitions, stating that the objective is to fight for the yellow jersey and bring the Volta a Portugal title back to Efapel.
According to Pereira, the squad combines experience with promising talent, creating a balanced team capable of competing across mountain stages, time trials and demanding terrain.
He described the 2026 lineup as the strongest group the team has fielded in recent seasons, highlighting the depth and versatility of the riders selected for the race.
Renewed roster with proven quality
Efapel enters the race with a substantially renewed roster while maintaining continuity in key areas of its sporting structure.
The team includes experienced general classification contenders alongside younger riders expected to support the overall challenge throughout the twelve-day event. Recent results during the season have demonstrated the squad’s competitiveness, with victories and strong performances in Portuguese stage races helping build confidence ahead of the Volta.
A demanding edition awaits
The 2026 Volta a Portugal features a demanding route crossing much of the country, including major mountain finishes, a decisive individual time trial and several stages expected to shape the general classification.
Organisers have introduced route changes designed to encourage more aggressive racing, with traditional climbs such as Senhora da Graça expected to play a decisive role in the battle for overall victory.
Building on a strong season
Efapel arrives at the Volta after an encouraging first half of the season, recording victories in several Portuguese competitions and strengthening its reputation as one of the country’s leading Continental teams.
With riders capable of challenging both in the mountains and against the clock, the team believes it has the depth required to compete with both domestic rivals and the international teams taking part in this year’s race.
As Portugal’s premier cycling event approaches, Efapel will begin the race carrying both expectation and ambition, aiming to convert a strengthened squad into overall success on the roads of the 2026 Volta a Portugal.