Geotour Aldeias do Xisto

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.

The UCI Gran Fondo World Series Coimbra Region is Portugal’s most international mass-participation cycling weekend, and the only Iberian qualifier on the UCI Gran Fondo calendar. Across two days, riders 19+ tackle a 10:00 Individual Time Trial in Coimbra (Sat, 28 Feb 2026) and the Granfondo/Mediofondo mass start in Montemor-o-Velho (Sun, 1 Mar 2026, 09:00). Courses are fully timed, with age-group results by gender under UCI “Cycling for All” rules. The ITT rolls along the Mondego with medium difficulty, while Sunday’s routes cut through castle vistas, rice fields and river plains. Licensed and non-licensed cyclists are welcome (one-day license available), but note TT bikes are not allowed in Granfondo/Mediofondo. Top finishers by age group earn qualification rights for the 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships (Niseko, Japan), making this a weekend that blends performance, scenery, and a real shot at Worlds.

The 5th Raid BTT Tavira – Cachopo is a mountain bike adventure event taking place on February 8, 2026, in Tavira, Faro, Portugal. This non-competitive event offers three GPS-guided route options: a 100 km loop from Tavira passing through Cachopo, a 50 km point-to-point from Tavira to Cachopo, and a 50 km relay stage for teams of two.

Open to all participants aged 18 and over, the event emphasizes endurance and the discovery of the natural and rural landscapes of the Tavira region. The routes feature technical and physical challenges with significant elevation gain, including roads, trails, and interaction with vehicle traffic, making it a unique experience for mountain bike enthusiasts.

The atmosphere is recreational and friendly, promoting sportive tourism and personal challenge rather than competition, with participants riding at their own pace. The event includes support such as mechanical assistance, aid stations with food and drinks, and a symbolic finisher’s medal, creating an inclusive and memorable day in nature.

The Batalha do Vimeiro is a mountain bike marathon event taking place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Vimeiro-Lourinhã, Lisboa. It offers two main race distances: a Marathon and a Half Marathon, with the possibility to participate using E-Bikes (electric bicycles) in the Marathon category with official classification, while E-Bikes in the Half Marathon are allowed but without classification.

The race is open to all cyclists aged 18 and over, including subcategories by age and gender, with specific categories for Elites, Masters, and Sub-23 athletes. The event is part of the 4th Edition of the Taça Oeste XCM BTT series, consisting of 4 stages, where points are awarded for overall and category classifications.

The race course features rural roads and trails approximately 40 km or 60 km in length, marked by clear signage and supported by a professional organization ensuring safety and timing. The atmosphere is friendly and amateur, welcoming all levels of mountain biking enthusiasts, with E-Bike participation adding a modern twist to the traditional off-road marathon cycling format.