STAGES
Six stages across Portugal, from North to South
CHALLENGING COURSES WITH TIMED SEGMENTS
AMONG EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPES
The six Ride Across Portugal stages allow participants to explore some of the most scenic roads in Portugal. For the more competitive rider, challenging timed segments, enable to spice up their day.
ALL STAGE PROFILES ▸
STAGE 1
THE MOUNTAINS AND THE DOURO RIVER
119Km/74mi | 2230 d+ | Douro-Armamar › Guarda
One of our wishes is that all Ride Across Portugal participants live a very special cycling experience, and we want they can feel it right from the start.
So, nothing like to start the Ride Across Portugal crossing the most beautiful road in the world. The athletes will ride the first 8 km of the stage 1 on the N222 road, which connects Peso da Régua to Pinhão. An amazing road, along the left bank of the Douro River, surrounded by some of the most iconic wine estates of Douro Valley. This road was elected as the “Best and Most Beautiful Road in the World”, in an international contest promoted by the prestigious AVIS rent-a-car international group.
These first 8 km are a special aperitif for this 1st stage, where participants will cross a magical journey through the Douro Valley and the typical mountain landscapes of northern Portugal.
Green is the main colour of the valleys and the slopes crossed in this stage, always with the Douro River as the star of the day.
Green is the dominant color of the valleys and slopes traversed in this stage, where participants will pass through some of the towns and villages of the Douro region, always with the river as the star of the day, before entering the rugged and spectacular landscape of the Beira Alta plateau, crossing mountains and valleys in one of the most remote regions of Portugal.
This challenging first stage ends in Guarda, the Portuguese highest city, where athletes will recover from the effort and emotions of this first day.
STAGE VIDEO ▸ | STAGE PROFILE ▸
STAGE 2
THE CONQUERING OF THE HIGHEST POINT IN MAINLAND PORTUGAL
107Km/66mi | 2.550 d+ | Guarda › Covilhã
On the second day, participants will tackle one of Ride Across Portugal’s most special stages.
Its culmination is marked by high mountain and a special-category ascent that takes participants to the highest point in Continental Portugal (Alto da Torre) at 1,993 meters above sea level.
The descent from Alto da Torre to the finish line of this stage covers approximately 14 kilometers, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
STAGE VIDEO ▸ | STAGE PROFILE ▸
STAGE 3
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE LOWLANDS
165Km/102mi | 1.770 d+ | Covilhã › Alter do Chão
Considering the high mountain journey of the previous day, we can consider this 3rd Stage as a recovery stage. However it’s not a flat and monotonous stage.
On this day, the participants ride through the beautiful and undulating roads of Beira Baixa.
One of the highlights of the stage is the Tagus River crossing bridge just in front of “Portas do Rodão” (Rodão Gates) a spectacular natural granite monument that offers to the athletes the view of one of the most iconic postcards of our country.
At the end of the stage, it’s time not only to appreciate history, but to live it in person. The recovery will be made in the unique atmosphere of the brand new and spectacular hotel that was implemented in the oldest stud farm in the world, the Royal Alter do Chão Stud Farm, where RAP participants can relax in the middle of a world famous stud farm, with the whole history around the Puro Sangue Lusitano horse.
STAGE VIDEO ▸ | STAGE PROFILE ▸
STAGE 4
ALENTEJO, THE PORTUGUESE TUSCANY
96Km/60mi | 800 d+ | Alter do Chão › Évora
The 4th stage is purposely shorter, allowing athletes to recover from the effort accumulated in the previous days. The early arrival at the end of the stage gives all athletes time to combine their recovery with the discovery of the magic and beauty of the city of Évora.
The typical undulating landscape of Alentejo, with its cornfields and narrow roads surrounded by cork oaks make the perfect picture of the Alentejo region.
Avis, Pavia and Arraiolos are some of the most emblematic and historical cities and villages of Alentejo, visited in this 4th stage.
A perfect mix of history, culture and gastronomy gives to Évora a unique atmosphere making it, one of the main tourist attractions of Portugal.
The Mar D’Ar Hotel, located inside the historic city walls is the perfect place to rest and recover for the two remaining stages to the end.
STAGE VIDEO ▸ | STAGE PROFILE ▸
STAGE 5
THE SUPER STAGE
193Km/120mi | 1.840 d+ | Évora › Monchique
With the end approaching, the super stage will consolidate the physical form acquired throughout the week on the longest Ride Across Portugal stage. With a distance similar to a stage of a big Tour, on this day the riders can live the experience of professional cyclists, with the organization’s team giving all the support so that everyone ends the day as winners of this challenge.
The most remote landscapes of Alentejo mark this stage, passing through some of the most iconic locations in this region of southern Portugal.
The stage is mostly flat, but very challenging, due the course design, the quiet roads and the diversity of some of the scenarios. The final climb and the conquest of the Monchique Montain marks the entry in Algarve, and will be the cherry on the top of the cake of this super stage.
The village of Monchique, right at the top of the mountain that dominates the Algarve landscape welcome all the brave riders. The great views until the coast and the charm that surrounds this termal village will be a deserved prize for the effort of all athletes.
At Monchique Thermal Hotel, the entire squad will relax and recover from this great stage, enjoying this thermal resort where calm and charm merge in a unique atmosphere.
STAGE VIDEO ▸ | STAGE PROFILE ▸
STAGE 6
THE MOUNTAIN, THE RIVER AND THE OCEAN
57Km/35mi | 560 d+ | Monchique › Porches
The last stage is shorter and easier, recovering from the previous day’s effort. A celebration stage that allows everyone to arrive earlier and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the arrival and the conviviality between the entire caravan around the conquest of this challenge.
Despite her shorter distance, this stage is quite interesting. The departure from Monchique Hotel will certainly be marked by everyone’s desire to return to this paradise, a real oásis located a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and tourist spots on the Algarve coast.
After descending the Monchique montain, the participants ride the first kilometers on the challenging road that follows the right bank of the dam and Ribeira de Odelouca.
The only pit stop of this stage is located in the iconic city of Silves, where history has strong marks, in special with the heritage of the Arab culture.
One of the most emblematic and spectacular scenery of the Portuguese Atlantic coast welcomes the end of Ride Across Portugal. The Chapel of Srª da Rocha, perched on a spectacular cliff above the sea, will be the unforgettable setting for all participants to celebrate the conquest of Ride Across Portugal.
The Hotel is located on the nearest cliff – 300 m from the finish line. A four-star, on a fantastic spot over the sea. After to take the recovery meal and packing the bicycles, it’s time to enjoy the beach, the swimming pool or the terraces to relax and socialize before the closing dinner/party and trophy ceremony.
STAGE VIDEO ▸ | STAGE PROFILE ▸
