Oh, you need a new challenge! 😎 Lucky for you, cycling enthusiasts won't be disappointed, as a new event is here to satisfy their cravings! The Ride Across Portugal is a cycling race that takes you across Portugal 🇵🇹 from north to south, starting from the banks of the Douro River, famous for its vineyards, all the way to the cliffs 🧗♀️ of the Algarve in the far south. It's an adventure through the most beautiful landscapes in the country! 🚴♂️ But beware, this isn't just any race; it's a stage race 📍, requiring you to cover 6 stages! 🔥 So get ready and let us guide you through it! Stage 1: Mountains and the Douro River, 119 km with 2,230 m elevation gain! ⚡ Imagine starting your journey on the N222, voted the "Most Beautiful Road in the World." You’ll ride alongside the Douro, then climb to Guarda, the highest city in Portugal ⛰️. A soft start, isn't it (lol)? Stage 2: Conquering the peak of mainland Portugal, it's 107 km with 2,550 m elevation gain awaiting you. Get your legs ready, as you’ll ascend the Alto da Torre, reaching 1,993 meters 🏞️. After the climb, enjoy a 14 km descent—don't forget to brake unless you want to test your helmet's quality ⛑️. Stage 3: From mountains to plains, 165 km with 1,730 m elevation gain. This is where your legs will really start to feel it, but after the peaks, you'll hit the valleys 🌳. You'll traverse the undulating Beira Baixa and cross the Tagus River in front of the "Portas do Rodão", a rock formation you can't miss. The stage finishes at the royal stud farm in Alter do Chão 🏁. Maybe you'll get a horseback riding lesson to mix things up! 🐎 Stage 4: The endless plains of Alentejo, 96 km with 800 m elevation gain. Welcome to Alentejo, where the roads truly feel infinite 🚵♀️. This stage takes you to Évora, a historic city. Enjoy a nice glass of local wine 🍷. After all, you deserve it (we said taste ! You still have two stages left, so now’s not the time to get tipsy) 😋. Stage 5: From plains to the Atlantic coast, 193 km with 1,840 m elevation gain, you'll leave the inland to reach the Atlantic coast 🐬. The scenery changes, and the sea breeze revitalizes you. Watch out for the seagulls 🐦, as they might want to share your snack! Finally, the last stage, after a long and tough journey that will leave you in awe! 👀 Stage 6: The Algarve and triumphant arrival, 57 km with 560 m elevation gain. The final stretch to Sagres, at the southwestern tip of Portugal. The cliffs of the Algarve accompany you 👏. At the finish line, the feeling of accomplishment and surpassing yourself will outweigh everything else ✌️.
Whoa, take it easy! Isn't this too much to handle? What about those who are intimidated by so many stages? 🤔 Well, guess what? The organizers of Ride Across Portugal have thought of everything 🤗. If you're not ready to tackle the 6 stages, you can opt for only 3! There are three registration options: the classic Ride Across Portugal (6 stages) 💪, then there's the Ride Across Portugal – North (3 stages) 🧭, and finally the Ride Across Portugal – South (3 stages) ⛱️. It all depends on your training, motivation, and preferences!
So, are you ready to get on your bike? 🤠
If you have chosen this route, 6 stages await you, here they are:
If for any reason you are unable to participate in all stages, you have the option to register for just 3 stages.
The bikes and travel bags you bring will be transported by the organization directly from the starting point (Douro-Armamar) to the end of the last stage (Porches). You will not have access to these bags during the stages.
Yes, during each stage, you must carry and use the following:
Certified helmet
Rear light
Basic mechanical kit (spare inner tube, tire levers, and air pump)
Mobile phone (connected)
Also consider additional gear based on the weather conditions:
Survival blanket
Windbreaker jacket
Arm warmers
Long gloves
Shoe covers
Yes, you can register and participate in teams of two. You can sign up in 'tandem' mode, splitting the course of each stage (team relay), with the transition area defined by the organization for each stage.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to join the Ride Across Portugal.
On Sunday, the organization offers a transfer service (bus and bike transport) from Lisbon and Porto to the start of the event in Douro-Armamar.
Yes, but the organization only guarantees a limited number of accommodations for companions.
Depending on the distance and difficulty level, there are 2 or 3 pit stops at each stage.
Yes, participants must present a document signed by a physician, confirming their physical fitness to participate in an endurance event like Ride Across Portugal.
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