Algarve Tour postponed after Portugal tackles coronavirus surge with country in lockdown

Published 21/01/2021 at 16:05 GMT

Spiralling Covid-19 infection rates have forced organisers to postpone next month's five-day Volta ao Algarve UCI ProSeries Cycling race. Daily coronavirus cases in Poriugsl rose 40% on Wednesday, with the national health system (SNS) struggling to cope with hospital admissions. The race had attracted 14 WorldTour teams.

Algarve tour

Image credit: Getty Images

The five-day Volta ao Algarve UCI ProSeries cycling race has been postponed due to a surge in Covid-19 infections in Portugal.

The event was scheduled to start on February 17 but has been moved provisionally to May 5-9.

"Postponement is a difficult decision, but it has become inevitable, given the evolution of the pandemic situation in Portugal," a statement said.

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Portugal is experiencing a rapid rise in infection rates, with cases rising 40% on Wednesday and the national health system (SNS) is overwhelmed with admissions.

14 WorldTour teams were set to take part in the event that now joins a long list of those in the cycling calendar affected by Covid-19. The Tour Down Under, Vuelta a San Juan, Challenge Majorca, Herald Sun Tour, Tour Colombia and Tour Antalya have also suffered cancellation or postponement.

With additional reporting from Reuters