Team Milram starts the first stage of the Volta ao Algarve (February 18-22) this coming Wednesday in Albufeira. Milram captain Gerald Ciolek will be joined at the Portugese classic by seven other riders from the Dortmund team. The flat and fast stages which make up the race are especially loved by the sprint specialists. This year the five stages, including an individual time trial of 33.7 kilometers, covers a total of 735 kilometers through southwestern Europe.

“This is a stage race made for the fast racers,” said Milram captain Gerald Ciolek. “We are going to the race with a strong team aimed at the sprint finishes. The Mallorca Challenge was a good opener for the season, for us to get the team feeling back again after the long break. When we can work together as well as we did there in Portugal, then we will surely play a role in the race.”

“I think that Qatar was a good race for me,” said Milram’s Robert Förster, who last year won two stages in Algarve and finished second in another stage. “I could see how I was doing. I hope that we can keep on improving in Portugal. I am looking forward to Algarve.”

Former Milram rider Erik Zabel and Markus Fothen, who this year wears the jersey of the German ProTour team, were also on the Algarve 2008 podium. In the Portugese race, which has been carried out since 1936, only one German has been able to take the overall victory. Recordholder is the Portugese Belmliro Silva, with three wins (1977, 1981, 1984).

Team Milram for the Volta ao Algarve:
Gerald Ciolek (GER/Ermatingen,SUI), Robert Förster (GER/Leipzig), Markus Fothen (GER/Kaarst), Thomas Fothen (GER/Kaarst), Artur Gajek (GER/Berg. Gladbach), Björn Schröder (GER/Berlin), Niki Terpstra (NED, Haarlem), Peter Wrolich (AUT, Klagenfurt)

Directeur Sportif:
Christian Henn (GER)

The stages 2009:
18. February: Stage 1: Albufeira – Olhao 173,6 Km
19. February: Stage 2: Lagoa – Lagos 183,5 Km
20. February: Stage 3: Villa Real S.Antonio – Malhao (Loule) 175 Km
21. February: Stage 4: Castro Marin – Tavira (EZF) 33,7 Km
22. February: Stage 5: Villa Do Bispo – Portimão 168,8 Km
Total length: 735 km