MessengerIV Gião Bike Challenge by AJ Carvalho 2026
Event summary
The IV Gião Bike Challenge by AJ Carvalho 2026 is a mountain bike race taking place on April 4, 2026, in Gião, Vila do Conde, Portugal. It offers two challenging distances: the Gião Extreme Challenge of approximately 140 km with around 3500 meters of elevation gain and a time limit of 13 hours, and the Gião Race Challenge of approximately 70 km with about 1800 meters of elevation gain and an 8-hour time limit. Both routes are navigated exclusively by GPS, making the race a true test of navigation skills and endurance.
This event is open to individuals and pairs aged 18 and above, emphasizing personal autonomy and preparedness. The race features a rugged terrain mainly consisting of trails, paths, and unpaved roads, crossing public roads and rural properties, which requires attention and respect for safety rules. The race has a competitive spirit with various categories including elite, age groups, e-bikes, and teams, with awards for top finishers in each category. The atmosphere combines extreme endurance sport with a convivial final gathering, embracing technology and adventure.
In parallel, there is a solidarity walk of about 8 km and a bike gincana for children, making the event inclusive for families and different participant profiles. The race’s use of GPS tracking instead of physical markings enhances safety and the challenge, distinguishing it as an innovative endurance mountain bike event.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Elite male and female
• M30 male and female
• M40 male and female
• M50 male and female
• M60 male and female
• E-bikes male and female
• Individual and doubles (male, female, mixed)
Start/finish locations: Campo de Futebol de Gião, Vila do Conde
Start times per category/distance:
• Gião Extreme Challenge (140 km): 07:30
• Gião Race Challenge (70 km): 07:30
Cut-off times:
• Gião Extreme Challenge: 13 hours (finish by 20:30)
• Gião Race Challenge: 8 hours (finish by 20:30)
Bib pick-up time and location:
• April 3, 2026: 16:00–21:00
• April 4, 2026: 05:30–06:45
• Location: Campo de Futebol de Gião
Surface types: Mostly trails, paths, unpaved roads, crossing some paved roads
Course format: GPS-guided routes with no physical markings
Race routes:
• Gião Extreme Challenge: ~140 km, ~3500 m elevation
• Gião Race Challenge: ~70 km, ~1800 m elevation
Timing method: GPS tracking with manual and automatic control points
Toilets and aid station placement: Aid stations with solid and liquid supplies at km 24, 50, 75, 125
Prizes: Awards for top 3 in each category and overall; Finisher prize for ultramarathon finishers
Location
get directionsRaces
BTT 140 km
BTT 70 km
BTT 140 km Pair
BTT 70 km Pair
E-bike 140 km
E-bike 70 km
Kids race
8 km Walking
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: bib number and zip ties
🥤 Aid stations: solid and liquid supplies at multiple km points (24, 50, 75, 125)
🛡️ Insurance: civil liability and personal accident insurance included
🚿 Showers and bike wash facilities available after the race
🥗 Post-race meal provided
🏆 Prizes for winners in multiple categories and finisher prize for ultramarathon
📍 GPS tracks provided via email before the event
🛟 Safety support: organization controls checkpoints and enforces safety rules
