Stage 5 of the 2026 Volta a Portugal covers 154.6 km from Figueiró dos Vinhos to the summit finish at Covilhã (Torre), one of the highest and most demanding mountain-top arrivals on the Portuguese calendar. The mountain profile ensures that pure climbers will dominate, with the final ascent likely to shatter the peloton and produce a decisive selection. This 2.1-category race attracts a strong mix of Iberian climbers and regional teams chasing glory on home roads.
★★★★
Topfavoriet
Adrià Pericas is the pick of the field based on both statistical quality and recent results. His 8.0 average finishing position in climbing-profile races over the last 90 days is the best of any rider with form data, and his climbing stat of 73 places him among the very best in this startlist. UAE Emirates provides him with a quality platform to launch his bid.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Adrià Pericas tops the form table with an average finish of 8.0 across two recent climbing-profile races, backing up a climbing stat of 73. His UAE Emirates support and consistent top-10 returns make him the clear favourite on the mountain finish to Torre.
★★★
Sterke Kanshebbers
Hugo de la Calle and Jokin Murguialday are the two strongest challengers, each recording top-10 averages in recent mountain races. De la Calle's best result of 4th in a similar-profile event is the outstanding mark in the entire field, while Murguialday's 7th place best shows he can match the top climbers on the right day.
Burgos
Burgos
Hugo de la Calle matches Pericas with an 8.0 average in similar-profile races and boasts a best finish of 4th, showing genuine podium pedigree on mountain stages. His climbing stat of 73 puts him firmly in the top tier of this field.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Jokin Murguialday averages 8.5 across two climbing-profile races with a best of 7th, demonstrating strong consistency on mountain finishes. His climbing stat of 72 and Euskaltel-Euskadi team backing give him a real shot at the podium.
★★
Buitenbeentjes
Mikel Bizkarra, Jesús David Peña and Carlos García Pierna all share the joint-highest climbing stat in the race at 74, giving them the raw tools to compete at the front. The lack of strong recent form results tempers expectations, but any of the three could deliver a surprise performance if they arrive at the foot of Torre in good condition.
Burgos
Burgos
Carlos García Pierna sits joint-top on climbing with a stat of 74 and showed credible form in one recent climbing race. He has the raw numbers to feature near the front on a stage as demanding as the ascent to Torre.
Efapel
Efapel
Jesús David Peña shares the field-leading climbing stat of 74 and brings strong hills ability (73) to complement his climbing credentials. Racing for home team Efapel adds motivation on Portuguese roads, and he is a threat if he arrives at the final climb fresh.
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Mikel Bizkarra carries the joint-highest climbing stat in the field at 74 and has shown he can compete on tough mountain stages, with a best of 11th in similar races. Eight recent results in climbing races show durability, though consistency has been elusive.
★
Om in de Gaten te Houden
Artem Nych, Alexis Guérin, Lucas Lopes and Louis Ferreira round out the selections as outsiders with genuine climbing credentials. Nych and Guérin both rate 73 on climbing and have versatile profiles, while Lopes gives Efapel another card to play alongside Peña. Ferreira's 16th-place average in one recent climbing race is modest, but on a summit finish like Torre stranger things have happened.
Anicolor
Anicolor
Alexis Guérin also rates 73 on climbing with well-rounded attributes across all terrain types. Without recent race data it is difficult to assess current condition, but his profile suits this mountain finish well.
Anicolor
Anicolor
Artem Nych posts a climbing stat of 73 and a solid time-trial score of 70, suggesting he could handle the sustained effort to Torre. No recent form data available, so he remains an unknown quantity worth monitoring.
Anicolor
Anicolor
Louis Ferreira averaged 16th in his one recent climbing-profile race, showing some ability on mountain terrain, and his climbing stat of 69 is competitive in this field. He is a rider who could outperform his seeding if conditions suit.
Efapel
Efapel
Lucas Lopes carries a climbing stat of 72 and races for Efapel, a team with multiple climbers who could animate the stage. No recent climbing-race data leaves his form uncertain, but his raw ability makes him one to watch on the ascent to Torre.
Verdict
Adrià Pericas is the standout favourite, backed by the best recent form in the field and a top climbing stat, with Hugo de la Calle and Jokin Murguialday the most dangerous challengers on the road to Torre.