What is the Algarve Bike Challenge?
The Algarve Bike Challenge is a mountain bike stage race experience open to all persons over 18 years old who look for a offroad cycling challenge.
Every edition the race presents a brand new route on which the navigation along the route and the endurance is crucial. With breathtaking landscapes and natural trails this unique and outstanding race will delight you.
The race starts with a thrilling prologue time trial at the historical city center in the night followed by two marathon stages in the Algarve’s inland.
During the day the riders explore the magnificent beauty of the landscape through fantastic off road trails while in the night they relax on great 4star hotels by the coast.
This race is organised by the Associação Clube BCF.
What is the technical level of the race?
The technical level of the race is average (3,5 out of 5). All the route is rideable on your bike. Although it includes more rough or technical sections. Some specific point can achieve technical level of 4 or 4,5 out of 5, but it will all be short sections that the riders less skilled can dismount and walk with the bike.
The night prologue take place in the historical area of Tavira city and it includes cobbles, stairs and sharp bends. The stages 2 and 3 are mostly along gravel roads with some sections of tarmac roads.
How can I sign up for the race and create my team?
The entries for the Algarve Bike Challenge are submitted through the stopandgo page platform.
The race is only possible for teams of two, although the entries are submitted individually.
Firstly the first rider (considered as the Team captain) sign up for the race filling all his/ her details in the stopandgo formular. The he /she create the Team defining the desired Team Name.
After the registration successfully submitted his or her partner must also sign up for the race and select from the list the team name created by the partner.
THE RIDERS FROM ONE TEAM HAVE TO SUBSCRIBE WITH THE SAME PACKAGE.
I am already registered as a Team Capitan and created my Team. It is allowed to race by myself?
Unfortunately it is not possible to race without a team member. Teams must consist of exactly two riders. Please make sure that you find a team member and that he signs up as a team member.
How can I subscribe to a Team already created by me Team mate
You must subscribe individually in the race at stopandgo platform page and join the team already created by your team mate.
How can I change a rider of the Team?
In case, you need to change a rider of the team, please inform us via email to info@algarvebikechallenge.com about it. We would require the name of the athlete, who needs to withdraw. The e-mail must be sent by the person who wants to withdraw. After our approval the new rider will have to sign up on the stopandgo platform page.
Please note: The following fees apply for rider changes:
Until 31 January: € 20.- per rider change
I want to book a companions package. How can I do it?
We do have a companions package exclusive for the race. It is possible to book an extra double room with the same conditions as the one included on the premium package.
It will be possible to accommodate up to 2 adults. If you bring a child please not that up to 12 years old it will be free of cost, although is only possible to accommodate a maximum of adults and 1 child per room.
I only bring one companion, can I add to the room on premium package entry?
For teams subscribed with the premium package it is possible to upgrade the hotel room to triple. This 3rd person will be accommodated in an extra bed in the same room of the team. The price for this 3rd person is 95€ for the 2 nights accommodation including 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
It is the route fully signed?
No, this is a gps guided race although it will be partly signed. This means that all road sections, intersections and dangerous sections will be signed. In order to participate in the Algarve Bike Challenge it is mandatory that at least one of the riders have to use a Gps device (as pe. Garmin, wahoo, …)
If I withdraw in one of the stages can I ride the next stages?
Yes you can although you will not be classified on the stages and neither on the general classification. The team and which riders will also not considered as a finishers and have to start after all the classified riders.
Can I sign up to ride with an E-Bike?
Sorry, It’s not possible to participate with an E-Bike.
How is the prologue start defined?
2 Teams will start together at the same time every minute. The start order will be organised by category.
Is is mandatory to use lights?
Yes but only for the night prologue. White front led and rear red led. During the marathon stages it is not mandatory to use lights.
When will be revealed the gps route?
The gps route of the race will be sent to all confirmed riders just 5 days before the race start.
We will supply the gpx files and as well the strava and wikiloc links for the stages routes
