The Volta ao Algarve, one of the top early season events on the calendar, appears threatened due to budget difficulties and might not go ahead in 2012.
The president of the Association of Cycling in the Algarve, Rogério Teixeira, has highlighted the issue and said that the race organisation will struggle to pay the cost of the 2.1 event. According to Jornalciclismo.com, that cost is estimated at 350,000 euros.
The problem is exacerbated by the regional tourism commission, which is reported as having offered just 6,000 euros towards the event.
The 2012 race is scheduled to be held between February 15th and 19th, less than four months from now. The tight timescale puts additional pressure on the organisers, who must both raise the necessary funds and also complete arrangements for the race.
This year’s edition was won by Tony Martin (HTC Highroad, pictured), who jumped from third to first in the concluding time trial. He went on to win Paris-Nice and took time trial victories in the Critérium du Dauphiné, the Tour de France, the Vuelta a España and the world championships.
The preceding four stages in the Volta ao Algarve were won by Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto), John Degenkolb (HTC Highroad), Steve Cummings (Sky) and Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma Lotto).
Others taking part were Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank SunGard), Tejay Van Garderen (HTC Highroad), Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Cervélo) and Andreas Klöden (RadioShack).