update / / off road sections
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.