SouthWesterners, less than 2 months for the start of 'Heading SouthWest'. In this first issue the focus is on the the climbs! We introduce you the 3 most challenging ones along the route. We also highlight the key dates until the start of the event and some relevant tips at this stage. We have also added an important update regarding the 'off-road/gravel' sectors.
According to Strava, the climb 'Colmeal - Selada das Eiras' has a length of 9.95KM, an elevation gain of 437 meters and an average slope of 3.8%. The numbers aren't impressive in terms of difficulty, but it will be the first major mountain obstacle after the first 60 kilometers of the route. Bikepackers will get the first indications in terms of physical fitness and sensations. Along the way up, the views of the villages of Açor and Adela will make the climb more pleasurable. At the top, in Selada das Eiras, the intersection point of several roads and paths, the landscape will certainly not be ignored. The climb precedes the passage by the 'PPD House', the fantastic pavé sector of 'Margaraça Florest' and the descent to 'Alva Valley'.
Probably the most feared road-cycling climbing sector in Portugal: 9.05KM, 704 meters of elevation and 7.6% of average slope. If you consider the climb from Loriga village, we are talking about 12.46KM, 801 meters of climbing and 6.4% of average slope. The biggest challenge is the several hundred meters in which the average slope remains above 14% and during the last kilometers of the climb. However, the great challenge of 'Adamastor' - in the context of 'SouthWest' - is in the perspective of what precedes it (the climb of Alvoco da Serra) and what follows it (the climb 'Sabugueiro - Mondeguinho'). Coming up after 150KM of the route and after several climbs, bikepackers will have to decide whether to face "the beast" at the end of the first day or at the start of the second.
Actually, we are facing a double climb in the lands of our Spanish brothers. The first - the 'Salto de Saucelle' - has 6.19KM, 402 meters of elevation gain and an average slope of 6.5%. The panoramic view over the Douro River/Valley and the peculiar mountain range of Penedo Durão in the Portuguese territory will certainly motivate the riders during the climb. After a few minutes of relaxing your legs in the heart of the 'Arribes del Duero', 'La Molinera' appears: 6.77KM, 286 meters of elevation gain and 4% average slope. It's not as demanding as the previous climb, but after 380 kilometers of route everything seems much harder. Altogether, we are talking about approximately 13 kilometers and 688 meters of elevation gain. After this challenge, "flat" highlands for one hundred kilometers.
After a reflection on the role of 'Heading SouthWest' in the context of Ultracycling in Portugal, in which the event plays an important role as a first real ultra-distance experience for many adventurers, it was decided to reduce significantly the proportion of 'off-road/gravel' sectors along the route. This is a measure that will reduce the degree of difficulty and the risk of mechanical problems. Thus, the route will predictably have - subject to a final verification and approval on the ground - a sector of about 200 meters (which will allow to avoid a dangerous road intersection) and another section with 4.5 kilometers that will work as a shortcut . Both sectors are located in Alentejo - in the last 100 kilometers of the route - and both are basically flat. The Alentejo off-roads are a characteristic element of the region and allow a greater sensory immersion in the local landscape context and will add a special sauce to the experience. In last year's edition, in a sector of six kilometers and with the passage of 37 participants, there was no falls/accidents and only one cyclist had a puncture. This changes won't significantly change the mileage (1,100K) and altimetry (15,000M) calculated for the route, according to Komoot.
ULTRA