We are starting 2023 with answers to your questions sent to our columnist Ian Jenner who writer the monthly Ask The Coach.

On page 12 you will find an interview with Giancarlo Brocci, creator of L’Eroica, before the start of the New Year. Giancarlo says “It will be great to tell the European Parliament about our ideas to recover and develop the most beautiful suburbs of Europe”.

Then Santini has paid tribute to the iconic finish-line of the Tour de France with a special kit dedicated to the 2023 edition of the Grande Boucle on page 20.

BIKE Transalp celebrates 25 years and is preparing its “mother of MTB stage races” from July 9 to 15, 2023. All about and a map on page 26.

Turn to p30 for design challenges, and the difficulties facing the biking industry in the COVID-19 era in an interview with Matt Mears, the founder of Temple Cycles.

For Tomás it was now or never. He was itching for adventure and the time couldn’t have been better: he was in between studies and had nothing holding him back. On page 36 Q&A with Tomás Mac on his Adventure through Africa.

On p44 Jeremy Edwards is discovering an untapped beauty and a re-found cycling heritage in Portugal.

Find everything about Monchique – located in the far south of Portugal, the Algarve region offers exceptional conditions for cycling and is increasingly sought after by enthusiasts of the sport, from beginners to regular or highly experienced cyclists.

Edinburgh has a lot more to offer than cobbled streets, bagpipes, and festivals. Colin Baird discovers the hidden gem of Edinburgh – Craigmillar Castle on page 56.

Is The Netherlands the best country for cycle touring? Discover on page 66.

Marcia Roberts, Endurance cyclist & LEJOGLE world Record holder 2020, does the ride of her life.

Happy cycling!

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Located in the far south of Portugal, the Algarve region offers exceptional conditions for cycling and is increasingly sought after by enthusiasts of the sport, from beginners to regular or highly experienced cyclists. From the seashore to old maquis* routes, a transition zone between the mountains and the sea, roads cutting through valleys, mountains and forests, the Algarve region unfolds into landscapes of dazzling beauty that make for unforgettable rides.

Serra de Monchique, known as the “garden” of the western Algarve, is a true retreat for cyclists, who can enjoy many activities in nature within a peaceful environment without the typical hustle and bustle of the seaside. Its proximity to the mountains and the Atlantic coast make it a place with a unique microclimate and a luxuriant landscape populated by rare plant species and protected animals, such as the Bonelli’s eagle.

The Portuguese Tourist Authority (Turismo de Portugal) recently launched an international campaign to attract visitors to the region. The campaign is available on www.trymonchique.pt and encompasses a wide target audience, interested in cycling, hiking, trekking, walking, gastronomy, nature, travel or simply tourism.

It is no coincidence that Monchique is the venue for one of the stages of the Volta ao Algarve in February, a cycling race that has been held annually for over 60 years and has become almost mandatory in the pre-season, with renowned cyclists such as Alberto Contador, Michal Kwjatkowski, Tony Martin and Gerraint Thomas, amongst its winners.

Cycling in Serra de Monchique offers an experience of close contact with nature, ranging from more challenging routes, due to the rugged terrain of the area, to trails that can accommodate less experienced cyclists and which also display stunning natural beauty. Cycling is really the ideal way to explore this territory and discover not only its nature, but also its culture, history and wealth of its local cuisine.

The refreshing Serra de Monchique presents an Algarve that is, in many ways, still pristine, far from the hectic atmosphere of the seaside towns and where, around every corner, you will discover unique biodiversity, as well as exuberant mountain and sea landscapes. However, despite its mild climate, July and August can be too hot for biking, so the cycling experience in Monchique can be more enjoyable during other months of the year.

Sought after by the Romans for its therapeutic waters, Monchique has, in addition to a well-known spa, several waterfalls, streams and paths that can be discovered on numerous off-road trails. However, there are several small routes that can be found at https://viaalgarviana.org/menu/67/pequenas-rotas. Mountain bikers will certainly be fascinated by the Serra de Monchique trails, which are perfect for cross-country, freeriding or even downhill riding.

The Foia trail, for instance, crosses an area of pontic rhododendrons, a rare plant species endemic to Monchique, which blooms between May and July, and terraced slopes. The trail between Caldas – famous for its medicinal waters – and Picota, invites you to discover the lush landscape of the mountains, ending at the second highest peak of the Algarve, at 774-metre high, from where you can see the vast expanse of the Algarve coastline and the sea. Moreover, there are many other routes to discover in Serra de Monchique, which show other remains of this little explored region of the Algarve: its monumental trees, some of them centuries old. The old windmills are also a must.

For those who enjoy road cycling, the climb from the town of Monchique to Foia, at 902 metres above sea level, extending for about eight kilometres, which can be challenging, has an average gradient of 7.3%. The advantage of this route is that you can stop at the viewpoints along the way, which offer panoramic views of Portimão, the Alvor estuary and much of the Algarve. On arrival at Foia, on a clear day, the horizon opens up in all directions and the view extends from the southwesternmost point of Europe, Cape St. Vincent in Sagres, to Serra da Arrábida, more than 200 kilometres away, and to the Algarve’s capital, Faro.

For cyclists who want to venture out on longer routes, discovering other areas close to Monchique, they can try cycling about 30 kilometres from Aljezur to Monchique, via Marmelete. At the same distance from Monchique, but to the west, is the town of Silves, the former capital of the Algarve, you can visit the castle and other remains dating back to the Moorish rule in Portugal. To reach Silves, you can drive down the coast to Portimão and Lagos, along the seashore, or cycle to the dams of Odelouca and Funcho.

With a longer distance of approx. 56 kilometres, it is also possible to take the route from Aljezur to Silves, a recommended route for regular to advanced cyclists. The route starts in Marmelete, with a challenging 20-kilometre climb, with a gentle downhill ride to Monchique. Then, you can cycle to Alferce and ride along an off-road to Ribeira de Odelouca, towards Silves. Whichever way you choose to explore Monchique, there are a number of roads with little traffic, as well as several paths, all of which offer great descents and climbs.

Getting to Monchique is extremely easy; the International Airport in Faro, 85km away from Monchique, is a short flight from most major European cities, and if you choose to land in the capital, Lisbon, then you can either take the train or the motorway to the Algarve, just over 250km away.

In the modern cycling world, electric bike tours are becoming more and more common, as the popularity of e-bikes continues to soar. From a catalogue of electric bike tours hosted by Explore.co.uk, to international e-bike racing tournaments, these latest innovations are hard to avoid.

One particularly noteworthy electric bike tour currently being advertised is the Self-Guided Cycle South Portugal trip, which will see holidaymakers travel from the Algarve to Alentejo over an eight day adventure. 

The Algarve has become a notorious spot for cyclists, and so naturally, it makes sense for the holiday to begin in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. 

This first day gives holidaymakers the opportunity to explore the beauty of this spot. Crystal clear oceans and sandy beaches are the backdrop to meticulously crafted architecture and lush greenery, and give the opportunity to adjust to and explore Portuguese food, drink, and culture. Traditional and locally made Portuguese dishes may include locally sourced fish dishes, Piri Piri Chicken, and a range of sweet treats, including Portugal’s world famous egg custard tarts. 

The Electric Bike Tour Hits the Road

The Electric Bike Tour begins in earnest on day 2, with a circular tour from Vila do Bispo via Sagres. The quaint seaside villages of south Portugal are lively and vibrant, full of life and culture that is essential to experience.

Expect stretching lengths of warm sand and sparkling oceans, as well as opportunities to try local foods and wines throughout the trip, and with this adventure on day 2, the expectations for the extravagance of what is to come on this electric bike tour is sure to have been set. 

Famous Portuguese cycle tracks await those participating in the electric bike tour on day 3. The route crosses and intersects with the Via Algarviana west of Sagres, as well as the Historical Trail, leading up to the Carrapateira via the restored village of Pedralva. 

From Carrapateira, the electric bike tour will see a 32km ride across lush rolling hills on day 4. Small inland villages where the most authentic, handmade Portuguese dishes and products can be found along this route, and are guaranteed to delight and captivate.

Day 5 sees the electric bike tour take a detour to Armoreiro beach, before making the climb up to Rogil. You will be thanking your electric motors for the help with this one!

A ride along the Historical Trail will lead the electric bike tour to Odeceixe, a traditional Portuguese village. The village’s rustic, seaside aesthetic is sure to leave holidaymakers in awe, and with plenty of opportunity to sample local delicacies before making the trek across the border from the Algarve to Alentejo.  

Zambujeira is the spot for day 6. The day gives an opportunity for rest after the previous days long trek, to sunbathe in the brilliant Portugal sun, or take a dip in the refreshing ocean currents. How you choose to spend your day is completely your choice, but the tour guarantees that no choice will be a bad one. 

Alternatively, holidaymakers may elect to take an electric bike tour around the area, via Boavista dos Pinheiros. This route provides a vast selection of scenery and terrain to ride over, with uphill travel made all the easier thanks to the electric bikes power. River banks, open woodlands, and dirt roads are abound on this circular course, giving those participating a great variety on their day out adventure.

After returning and resting up in Zambujeira, day 7 will see the electric bike tour make its way to its final destination, Vila Nova de Milfontes. Based at the mouth of the river Mira, this coastal town has been nicknamed the ‘Princess of the Alentejo’, and for good reason. Just look at that view!

The final day gives holidaymakers the opportunity to leave the electric bike tour in their own time, giving a final opportunity to gaze upon the breathtaking Portuguese seascape. 

Will you be going? For as little as £830, this holiday is absolutely one every e-bike enthusiast should mark on their calendar.

Portugal is well known for its favourable climate, kilometres of beautiful coastline, and beaches popular with tourists. More popular than ever this summer perhaps as, at the time of writing this, Portugal has been announced as one of the few destinations on the UK’s ‘green travel list’. Whilst the Algarve is the chosen area of Portugal for many, venture inland instead and you will find the perfect location for a cycling tour or days out.

In 2020 we chose the Miranda do Corvo area of the Coimbra district as the location for our cycling and triathlon camps and holidays due to the amazing variety of cycling routes to be found here. Lockdowns have so far limited our chances to explore too far afield but we have been pleasantly surprised by the variety our immediate area has to offer. Here are just some of the reasons why.

Last September we had the delightful experience of watching the road cycling National Ramp Championships set off from our nearest village. This time trial hill climbing event saw riders making an ascent of three kilometres to an elevation of 558 meters on a series of switchbacks. One of the things we particularly love about this region is the blending of rural life with events like this. Those watching were not just other cyclists but also local villagers who had taken time out from tending vegetable plots and olive groves to watch the spectacle and encourage riders.

That positive attitude of locals to us when we are cycling is part of what makes our rides such a pleasure. It is very rare to cycle past someone walking who does not greet us with a friendly ‘bom dia’ (good morning) or ‘boa tarde’ (good afternoon). That applies equally to all ages. Drivers are also more considerate than I had been used to in the UK. The Portuguese have something of a reputation for their driving but as a cyclist, I find them very considerate. In any case, away from the larger towns and cities, there is relatively little traffic. It’s quite possible to ride for a couple of hours on rural roads and meet just a few vehicles…

Kate Taylor BSc
British Cycling, British Triathlon, & IRONMAN Coach; Sports Specialist Yoga Teacher
kicoaching.co.uk
swimbikerunyoga.com

Excerpt from BIKE Magazine, click here to continue reading the full article

With the Vuelta a España, Strade Bianche and the UCI Road World Championships all on the agenda, Tom has listed out his road season schedule. 

The British all-rounder has also announced that he will push forward his official start date by a month at Ineos Grenadiers and will join up with the team of Dave Brailsford at the beginning of February, only after the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships have been completed.

“I finish ‘cross on January 31, and then as of February I change to Ineos,” the 21-year-old confirmed on the Lanterne Rouge Cycling Podcast.

“It was March but we’re changing it to February now. I’ll be doing the Mediterranean Epic, the mountain bike race, and then the Volta ao Algarve and Opening Weekend. There’s no break, I’m going straight into the road.

“There’s an idea that me and my coaches have come to. Beyond the first races, it’s Strade Bianche, but hopefully I’ll be doing a big mountain bike block in June, and then Olympics, hopefully. And then I want to ride the Vuelta and then the road Worlds.”

Tom has not taken part in a Grand Tour before but definitely has pedigree in stage racing, having won the Baby Giro in 2020 in convincing style, with three stages wins and a sizeable lead over his nearest rivals. 

The complete routes for both the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España have yet to be announced, but the Vuelta looks like the most likely choice at this early stage, given its timetable and its commitment to mountain biking during the summer. Tom claims that, should he be chosen, he is ready for a three-week challenge and that he is more than happy to help his team.

“I’d like to do a Grand Tour. I’m not going to go in as a leader but I can go in and help the team. I’m happy to do that. There’s no pressure and it’s almost easier to perform when you’re not under pressure. I quite like working for others sometimes.”

Paris-Roubaix is one race not on his plans this year, but the former champion at both junior and under-23 level aims to take on the WorldTour race in 2022 at least, and run one day for the Roubaix velodrome victory.

“I’m not riding it this year but next year I want to ride it,” he said.

“For sure, if I win I’ll be the first guy who is sub-60kg to win, so it’s something that I want to target. Whether I do win… I simply don’t have the raw power of the big guys – they’re just the facts – but I do want to give it a go. It’s one of my favourite races, especially when all the fans are allowed to come back.”

For now, with the elite World Championships taking place at the end of this month, Tom remains concentrated on cross. He assumes he will be well served on the road by his current training regime and ‘cross practise’ so he can add more stamina and agility to his programme.

“It’s simply not possible to replicate a cross race in training. They’re so fast now,” he said.

“Even if I just did it for training for the road, it’s by far the best training that I could do for the road – to be explosive, powerful, and fast for the road and then you just need to add endurance and you’re basically a complete road rider then.”

Remco Evenepoel won stage two of the competition earlier this year, together with the Vuelta a San Juan of Argentina. His impressive shape led to suggestions for the Giro d’Italia in May.

Remco Evenepoel warned his rivals that the best thing still to come was to secure his second win in 2020 after winning the Volta ao Algarves.

In each time trial, the 20-year-old made a splendid ride to win, beating his rivals in general as well as setting a course record of 10 seconds for world champion of piping Rohan Dennis.

The 20-year-old Remco Evenepoel cycled to victory yesterday, beating the world time trial champion Rohan Dennis (Ineos) in a closing-day 20km race against the clock to secure the overall title at the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal.

But that’s not enough, for Evenepoel, who won the stage 2 in blistering fashion. The Deceuninck-Quick-Step star had to keep ahead of the direct competition. Dennis, who beat him in Yorkshire, shook his way and won his second stage race in two starts.

On average, Evenepoel took the two riders to the podium by 30 seconds and distanceled them from their two riders. He was the last rider to roll over the ramp as the overnight leader. Before finishing the clock at 24:07, he beat the intermediate checkpoints 10 seconds faster than the World Champion Dennis.

The victory secured the third GC triumph since last year’s pro victory and last month the addition of Algarve to the Tour of Belgium.

Before his grand tour debut at the Giro of Italia in May, Evenepoel is next in the Tirreno-Adriatico ahead of the Ardennes classics.

Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Miguel Ángel López (Astana) tied at 38 seconds back, and finished second and third overall. Dan Martin (Israel Start-Up Nation) started second overall but struggled to tumble to 11th overall.

Volta ao Algarve Stage 5, Lagao-Lagao, 20.3km

1. Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quick Step), 24:07
2. Rohan Dennis (Ineos), at 0:10
3. Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ), at 0:19
4. Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe), at 0:38
5. Miguel Ángel López (Astana), at same time

Geraint Thomas gets his 2020 season underway at the Volta ao Algarve this week, returning to the race he triumphed at in 2015 and 2016. This time around it’ll be a different story, however, with the Welshman stating that the race will be more a way of easing himself back into racing rather than going all-out for overall victory.

This year, as it was two seasons ago, the winner of the 2018 Tour de France is on the same early line. He took a stage win in time trial on his way to second overall at the Algarve Volta ao, but this time he maintains he’s not in the same shape.

Geraint Thomas says that his 2018 Tour de France victory must be in better shape this season.

Once again, the Welshman is on the greatest Grand Tour – since coming second last year to Ineos partner Egan Bernal.

He expects to participate at the Olympics in the road race, six days after the end of the Tour de France, and the time trial in Tokyo. Thomas says that.

The 33-year-old realises he will be even harder to achieve a second Tour de France triumph than two years ago.

Among the big names taking part in the stage race in Portugal are Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix), Rohan Dennis (Team Ineos) and Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo).

The five-day race has a test run, with three lumpy days, one mountain stage, and an individual time trial of 20 km.

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) won last year’s race and is not expected to return to defend his title.

Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma) and Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) are also past winners.

Teams have not announced their rosters yet, but these are the riders that are already expected to show up.

Volta ao Algarve start list

ASTANA PRO TEAM (KAZ)

1. LOPEZ MORENO Miguel Angel
2. SANCHEZ Luis León
3. BIZHIGITOV Zhandos
4. CONTRERAS PINZON Rodrigo
5. MARTINELLI Davide
6. NATAROV Yuriy
7. TEJADA CANACUE Harold Alfonso

BORA – HANSGROHE (GER)

11. DRUCKER Jean Pierre
12. GROSSSCHARTNER Felix
13. KÄMNA Lennard
14. LAAS Martin
15. PÖSTLBERGER Lucas
16. SCHACHMANN Maximilian
17. SCHILLINGER Andreas

CCC TEAM (POL)

21. AVERMAET Greg
22. TRENTIN Matteo
23. GESCHKE Simon
24. SCHÄR Michael
25. VAN HOECKE Gijs
26. VAN HOOYDONCK Nathan
27. WISNIOWSKI Lukasz

COFIDIS (FRA)

31. VIVIANI Elia
32. CONSONNI Simone
33. LE TURNIER Mathias
34. MATE MARDONES Luis Angel
35. MATHIS Marco
36. SABATINI Fabio
37. VANBILSEN Kenneth

DECEUNINCK – QUICK – STEP (BEL)

41. ALMEIDA João
42. BALLERINI Davide
43. DECLERCQ Tim
44. EVENEPOEL Remco
45. JAKOBSEN Fabio
46. LAMPAERT Yves
47. SENECHAL Florian

GROUPAMA – FDJ (FRA)

51. BRUNEL Alexys
52. GENIETS Kévin
53. GUGLIELMI Simon
54. KÜNG Stefan
55. LE GAC Olivier
56. LUDVIGSSON Tobias
57. STEWART Jake

ISRAEL START – UP NATION (ISR)

61. MARTIN Daniel
63. CIMOLAI Davide
64. POLITT Nils
65. BIERMANS Jenthe
66. VAN ASBROECK Tom
67. SCHMIDT WÜRTZ Mads

LOTTO SOUDAL (BEL)

71. GILBERT Philippe
72. KLUGE Roger
73. MAES Nikolas
74. VAN MOER Brent
75. WALLAYS Jelle
76. WELLENS Tim

TEAM INEOS (GBR)

81. DENNIS Rohan
82. KWIATKOWSKI Michal
83. ROWE Luke
84. SWIFT Ben
85. THOMAS Geraint
86. VAN BAARLE Dylan

TEAM SUNWEB (GER)

91. ARNDT Nikias
92. BOL Cees
93. DENZ Nico
94. EEKHOFF Nils
95. PEDERSEN Casper Phillip
96. SÜTTERLIN Jasha
97. VAN WILDER Ilan

TREK – SEGAFREDO (USA)

101. DE KORT Koen
102. MOLLEMA Bauke
103. MULLEN Ryan
104. NIBALI Anotnio
105. NIBALI Vincenzo
106. STUYVEN Jasper
107. THEUNS Edward

UAE TEAM EMIRATES (UAE)

111.BJERG Mikkel
112. BOHLI Tom
113. COSTA Rui
114. DOMBROWSKI Joseph Lloyd
115. KRISTOFF Alexander
116. OLIVEIRA Ivo
117. OLIVEIRA Rui

ALPECIN-FENIX (BEL)

121. VAN DER POEL Mathieu
122. DE BONDT Dries
123. LEYSEN Senne
124. MODOLO Sacha
125. RICHARDSON Alexander
126. SBARAGLI Kristian
127. VERGAERDE Otto

CAJA RURAL/SEGUROS RGA (ESP)

131. ABERASTURI IZAGA Jon
132. GONZALEZ LOPEZ David
133. AMEZQUETA MORENO Julen
134. LAZKANO LOPEZ Oier
135. SAEZ BENITO Hector
136. MALUCELLI Matteo
137. CALLE HURTADO Juan Fernando

CIRCUS – WANTY GOBERT (BEL)

141. DE GENDT Aime
142. DEVRIENDT Tom
143. KREDER Wesley
144. MEURISSE Xandro
145. PETILLI Simone
146. VAN POPPEL Boy
147. VAN POPPEL Danny

FUNDACION – ORBEA (ESP)

151. ARISTI GARDOKI Mikel
152. ANGULO SAMPEDRO Antonio
153. IRIZAR LASKURAIN Julen
154. BRAVO OIARBIDE Garikoitz
155. MARTIN SANZ Gotzon
156. LOPEZ FUENTES Diego
157. ARANBURU ARRUTI Jokin

UNO – X NORWEGIAN DEVELOPMENT TEAM (NOR)

161. HOELGAARD Daniel
162. HOELGAARD Markus
163. SKAARSETH Anders
164. RESELL Erik Nordsaerter
165. KULSET Kristian
166. SLEEN Torjus
167. LEKNESSUND Andreas

ATUM GENERAL / TAVIRA / MARIA NOVA HOTEL (POR)

171. FIGUEIREDO Frederico
172. GRIGOREV Aleksandr
173. TRUEBA DIEGO Alvaro
174. MARTINGIL César
175. MARQUE PORTO Alejandro
176. LIVRAMENTO David
177. PEREIRA Valter

AVILUDO – LOULETANO (POR)

181. GARCIA DE MATEOS RUBIO Vicente
182. MEIRELES Nuno
183. DE LA FUENTE RASILLA David
184. SHILOV Sergei
185. DEL PINO CORROCHANO Jesus
186. EVANGELISTA André
187. HERNANDEZ MARTINEZ Oscar

EFAPEL (POR)

191. PAULINHO Sérgio
192. MENDONÇA Luís
193. MACHADO Tiago
194. ANTUNES Tiago
195. PAULINHO Pedro
196. SAENZ BALLESTEROS
197. ARMILLAS PUBILL

KELLY / INOUTBUILD / UDO (POR)

201. CASIMIRO Henrique
202. GOMES Luís
203. FERNANDES Venceslau
204. LOURENÇO Rafael
205. LOPES Pedro Miguel
206. COSTA Fábio
207. GONÇALVES Hélder

L.A. ALUMINIOS / L.A. SPORT (POR)

Cycling routes
The Ecovia do litoral is a newly updated cycle route in Portugal that links Cape St Vincent (Sagres) in the West to Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border in the East. It crosses 12 municipalities and runs for 214 km. The route contains trails in nature protection areas and is very popular with residents and visitors alike. The routes are marked with signs and blue arrows and are primarily on dedicated cycle paths or roads with very little traffic.

Cycling Algarve; The Authentic Experience

Taking any of these routes, you will most likely stumble upon a café in a remote hamlet or village and have the opportunity to taste the local food and wine for a very reasonable price, as well as enjoy the company of the local villagers.

Be sure to take your camera as you experience the old time way of life, see the typical cottages, quintas and casas of the villagers, farmers and shepherds. Many of the local cottages have their walls covered with colourful tiles, their garden walls covered in bougainvilleas and are very picturesque.

Along the way you may also come across some local adegas (vineyards) and have a chance to taste the local wine straight from the barrel.

Free from crowds, hustle and bustle, it is a time to enjoy the simple pleasure of finding flocks of sheep and goats, gaggles of geese, rabbits and hares and ponies and traps, which you are bound to meet as you ride through the countryside.

Organised Cycling Trips
Activity Algarve are one of several companies which offer cycling holidays to both residents and visitors. Many companies offer downhill tours that drive you to the top of a mountain and you “cycle” down it at leisure. Many have picnics or other planned stops on the way down. Guides are provided and have support vehicles following behind. This is a safe and pleasurable way to spend a half or full day out and about.

Renting bikes
There are shops located along the entire coastal region that rent cycles, mountain bikes and even tricycles for an hour, half day, a full day or by the week if you want to go it alone. All of these places will have maps and advice to offer too.

If you live near Albufeira you can rent in Galé, from where there are many beaches within one hour’s cycle ride. Most of these beaches are quiet all year as many tourists just don’t know they exist. From Carvoeiro heading west along the coast road it is less than 10 km to the pretty fishing village of Ferragudo with its fabulous beach and great restaurants.

European Cycle Tour
The Volta ao Algarve is a fixed part of the European Cycle Tour calendar. While it is an event for professional cyclists, leading up to the Tour de France, it is a great spectator sport as crowds turn out to line the routes of the four stages all through the Algarve.

Seasons in the Algarve
Whilst cycling though the Algarve you have a real opportunity to see and experience the Algarve of old, as you pass through Eucalyptus, cork and pine forests, orange and lemon groves and the wildlife that abounds there.

Where to stay