Chaos at the Algarve Cycling Tour: Cyclists Cross Finish Line Wrong Way!

Surreal Finish at the Algarve Cycling Tour

The Italian cyclist Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) crossed the finish line first during the 1st stage of the Volta ao Algarve in Lagos, but the event was marred by confusion and controversy as the majority of the peloton crossed the finish line from the wrong side. The stage was subsequently nullified by the College of Commissioners.

As the peloton surged forward within the last kilometer on Avenida dos Descobrimentos, it became clear that many cyclists were mispositioned. Television footage showed the group leaning more to the right while following a motorcycle, leading them down the incorrect path towards the finish line, just before a roundabout. This route may have needed clearer signage or should have been closed off entirely.

A police officer attempted to signal that the correct path was to the left, but only a handful of cyclists followed this route. Ganna sprinted effortlessly towards victory, while those who went the wrong way only realized their mistake when they spotted the finish arch to their left. They ended up passing behind the spectators gathered at the barriers, as there were no fans on the incorrect road—otherwise, this could have led to serious accidents for both athletes and onlookers.

In the now-canceled stage covering 192.2 kilometers from Portimão to Lagos, Ganna finished in 4h28m30s, followed closely by Frenchman Romain Grégoire (Groupama – FDJ) and Swiss Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates) rounding out the podium. The best Portuguese rider, Ivo Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates), placed 8th, just three seconds behind Ganna, sharing the same time as the 7th place Belgian, Xandro Meurisse (Alpecin – Deceuninck).

Article updated at 18:00 with the cancellation of the stage.