The Aldeias do Xisto Mountain Bike Trophy is a mountain bike race in three stages, that explores the potential of the Cyclin' Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto. It will be held from 4 to 6 June, covering the various landscapes of this well-suited region for the practice of various types of cycling. The event also marks the expansion of support infrastructure, coinciding with the inauguration of the Cyclin'Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto Centre in Oliveira do Hospital, scheduled for 6 June 

The first stage of Mountain Bike Aldeias do Xisto Trophy will start in Oleiros, on 4 June, and will cover the tracks of Grande Rota do Zêzere and of Centro Cyclin' Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto of Casal da Lapa. 55km in total, with an accumulated ascending incline of 1750m. On the following day, the participants will depart from Miranda do Corvo to cycle through the Cyclin' Portugal Centres - Aldeias do Xisto of Serra da Lousã and  Ferraria de São João Mountain ranges, over 58km, with a positive accumulated distance of 1620m. The third and last day of the event has the racers début Centro Cyclin'Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto of Oliveira do Hospital’s trails and discover the beautiful natural landscapes and man-made heritage of this municipality. In this Centre, the  Subida Épica do Colcurinho (Epic Horseshoe Climb)  and  Aldeia das Dez  are must-sees. This stage is 55km long, with an accumulated ascending incline of 1320m. In total, the athletes must overcome about 170km. Around 150 participants are expected to participate. 

"This first Mountain Bike Aldeias do Xisto Trophy event is a new approach to cycling events and is scaled to the specific conditions of this destination, covering the region’s main centres. The accommodations are equipped with infrastructure and facilities specific to cycling, offering similar features to that of professional events", says the executive director of ADXTUR. The Centro Cyclin' Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto of Oliveira do Hospital will "complement and enrich the offer already available, by expanding it to the Serra do Açor mountain range", adds Rui Simão.

"The Aldeias do Xisto are pioneers in developing nature tourism linked to cycling. This inauguration contributes to the expansion of the project and with this event will serve as a model for what we intend to do with all Cyclin’ Portugal’s Centres”, states the president of the Portuguese Cycling Federation, Delmino Pereira.

For the Mayor of the Town Hall, José Carlos Alexandrino, "Oliveira do Hospital is a destination yet to be truly discovered, with a network of 221 kilometres of cycle paths, which promotes healthy lifestyles and provides excellent opportunities to discover nature, landscapes and cuisine". Therefore, this new Centro Cyclin' Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto "located in the Mandanelho park, the lungs of the city, is an essential support hub for cyclists to boost all kinds of bicycle tourism".

Programme

4 June

• Start / Finish line: Oleiros
• Time:  9am
• Distance: 55km
• Accumulated: around 1750m uphill
   

5 June

• Start / Finish line: Miranda do Corvo
• Time: 9am
• Distance: 58km
• Accumulated: around 1620m uphill
   

6 June

• Start / Finish line: Oliveira do Hospital
• Time: 9am
• Distance: 55km
• Accumulated: around 1320m uphill
   

Participation is limited to 150 athletes. Entries, priced at €70 per athlete for federated members and €80 per athlete for non-affiliated members, will be accepted until 30 May. You can obtain further information on the  event’s website  or by calling +351 919 882 683.  At the point of registration, the athletes may reserve  accommodation packages  in  Hotel Santa Margarida  and  Hotel Parque Serra da Lousã. The regulation is available here.
 

Cyclin’Portugal Project

The Aldeias do Xisto joined the Cyclin' Portugal project from the outset, which affirms this region as a prime destination for professional or amateur cycling. The initiative is the result of a protocol between the Aldeias do Xisto, the Portuguese Cycling Federation, Turismo Centro de Portugal and is supported by the Secretary of State for Tourism. Seeking to gather more and better conditions to accommodate outdoor sports lovers, the Aldeias do Xisto have been investing in and supporting the creation of infrastructures, having been pioneers in launching concepts such as the Cyclin' Portugal Centres and the Bikotel. Within the scope of this project, the Aldeias do Xisto have already hosted national and international events, such as the Aldeias do Xisto Classic, the European and National Downhill championships and the European and Portuguese Cups of the same sport, to which is now added the Aldeias do Xisto MTB Trophy.