On 15 May (Sunday) another Aldeias do Xisto Epic Climb will be added to the portfolio of Bike Roads, a project through which, and similarly to that which can be seen in some of the most charismatic mountain destinations in other countries, some of the most challenging climbs to carry out on a bicycle in Portugal are being recognised and signposted.

This time it is the Serra do Açor that welcomes us in all its splendour for the Porto de Vacas – Xiqueiro Epic Climb, in Pampilhosa da Serra. There will be a festive atmosphere when participants tackle this new climb alongside friends and other cycling enthusiasts, in a timed challenge that will finish high up the mountain – at 1,030 metres of altitude!

This climb, 11 km long and with an average gradient of 6.3%, offers a surprise with its degree of challenge and the spectacular scenery surrounding it, ending in a col with a superb view where the summit of the Serra da Estrela imposes itself as a backdrop behind the scenery of the mining complex of Barroca de Cima. To the opposite side, the view stretches along the peaks of Serra do Açor and Serra da Lousã, with the Santa Luzia Dam contrasting with its blue waters.

On the inauguration day, a set of three circuits will be available so that, for two days, participants can discover the best road cycling circuits in the region on their own. On Saturday, participants will be able to choose between two circuits with different levels of difficulty and, on Sunday, they will be able to do a third circuit that will include participation in the inauguration of the “Porto de Vacas – Alto do Xiqueiro Epic Climb”. On this day the programme of events includes the option to leave Pampilhosa da Serra in a peloton, heading to the base of the Epic Climb for its inauguration and returning to Pampilhosa da Serra and covering the recommended circuit for this day.

Accommodation promotion

The Villa Pampilhosa Hotel offers extremely attractive accommodation and meal packages for participants registered for this inaugural event on the nights of 13th to 14th and 14th to 15th May.

Pastime

Whether you take part in the climb or not, be sure to remember to bring your camera. Stay tuned on Facebook and enter a raffle to win a night for two in the Aldeias do Xisto.

Programme

Saturday, 14 May
Free programme, with 2 proposed circuits (Granfondo das Minas and Mediofondo do Ceira) available at bike-roads.com website to be done independently by cyclists.

Sunday, 15 May
9.30am – Office opens (Porto de Vacas)
10.30am – Inauguration of the Aldeias do Xisto Epic Climb ® Porto de Vacas – Xiqueiro
10.35am – Departure for the timed climb
11.15am – Expected arrival of the fastest athletes at the end of the climb
12pm – Expected arrival of the final athletes at the end of the climb
11.15am – 12.15pm – Recovery snack

Access from Pampilhosa da Serra to the start of the Epic Climb in Porto de Vacas, passing through Janeiro de Baixo and Janeiro de Cima, and returning at the end to Pampilhosa da Serra can be optionally done by bike and on your own, following the circuit “Mediofondo do Zêzere” available on the Bike Roads website.

All information, as well as registration, is available here.

Epic Climbs

With the Aldeias do Xisto Bike Roads project a concept has come to Portugal that is being fully developed in various mountain destinations around the world and especially in Europe. The concept involves characterising the route of the most emblematic and challenging climbs in Portugal, with specific signage that indicates to users the distance to the end of the climb, and the altitude and slope of the next kilometre. This concept is especially appealing to cyclists looking for this kind of challenge.