MessengerAlgarve Bike Challenge
Event summary
The Algarve Bike Challenge SOLO 2026 is a mountain bike endurance race taking place from February 27 to March 1, 2026, in Tavira, Portugal. This event consists of a prologue and two stages covering approximately 150 km across coastal, barrocal, and mountainous terrain of the Algarve region. It is open to all cyclists aged 19 and above, both federated and non-federated, with five age and gender categories for solo participants. The race requires competitors to navigate using GPS tracks provided by the organizers, highlighting the challenge of self-navigation on a route that is mostly off-road with trails and forest roads. The atmosphere is competitive with leader jerseys awarded per category. The event emphasizes endurance, self-sufficiency, and technical skill over varied and scenic terrain, with a night prologue and daytime stages. It does not allow e-bikes and has strict rules on safety equipment and conduct. While primarily an individual challenge, it is part of a larger organized series with team categories as well.
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Plan itInformation
Start times per category/distance: Prologue starts at 19:00 on February 27, 2026; Stage 2 starts at 09:00 on February 28, 2026; Stage 3 starts at 09:00 on March 1, 2026.
Bib pick-up time and location: Not explicitly stated.
Start/finish locations: All stages start and finish in Tavira, Portugal.
Age categories/divisions: Solo categories: Elite Men and Women (19-29), Master 30 Men and Women (30-39), Master 40 Men and Women (40-49), Master 50 Men and Women (50-59), Master 60 Men and Women (60+).
Cut-off times: Not explicitly stated.
Registration deadline: January 31, 2026 for the second phase of registrations.
Link to full regulation: Official Rules
Surface types: Approximately 95% off-road on dirt trails, forest roads, and paths; includes coastal, barrocal, and mountainous terrain.
Course format: Multi-stage with a night prologue and two daytime stages; route is GPS-guided.
Timing method: Electronic timing based on the second team member’s front wheel crossing the finish line.
Parking and shuttle details: Not specified.
Drop bag policy: Participants can leave official race bags at the start zone tent.
Toilets and aid station placement: Feed zones along the course providing food and liquids; recovery and rehydration zones at stage finishes.
Location
get directionsRaces
BTT 150 km
BTT 150 km
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: jersey exclusive ABC2026, sports bag ABC2026, race bib, and participation wristband
🏅 Finisher prize: recovery drinks and exclusive jersey included
⏱️ Timing with electronic chip timing and GPS tracking
🛟 Safety support: mandatory GPS and active mobile phone for emergency contact, staff at dangerous crossings, medical support
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident and civil liability included in registration
🥤 Aid stations: feed zones with solid and liquid food available along the course
🚿 Recovery and rehydration support at stage finishes
🧳 Drop-bag service available at start area
📸 Official photography and video coverage for promotion
🧖 Post-race recovery services included at finish
🏆 Leader jerseys per category and podium awards for top 3 teams
