25th Alvalade – Porto Covo Mountain Bike Raid

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Between mountains and sea, the adventure is made by pedalling. The Alvalade – Porto Covo MTB Raid celebrates its 25th edition with breathtaking landscapes, collective effort and the soul of Alentejo in every kilometre covered.

In the south of the country, between the gentle undulations of the cork oak pastures and the vastness of the Atlantic, one of the most symbolic national mountain biking events takes place annually: the Raid BTT Alvalade – Porto Covo. This crossing, which links the interior of Alentejo to the Vicentine coast, attracts hundreds of cyclists from all over the country, who embark on a physical and emotional challenge through breathtaking landscapes.

The race takes place in the village of Alvalade, a historic parish in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. With medieval roots and an ingrained cultural heritage, Alvalade represents the Alentejo in its most authentic expression: whitewashed houses, unending fields, and a soothing silence. It is from this setting that the peloton sets off, driven by a mixture of adrenaline and contemplation.

The route stretches for about 70 kilometres, passing through rural paths, pine forests, valleys and hills. With every pedal stroke, the green heart of Alentejo is revealed, with its cork oak groves, serene streams and the scent of tilled earth. The trail, though demanding, is generous in its beauty and allows for a rare communion between nature and human effort.

The arrival is in Porto Covo, a small coastal village so beautiful it seems to have come from a postcard. With its white houses edged in blue, cobbled streets and the open sea beyond, Porto Covo welcomes participants with the wild spirit of the Alentejo coast. It is there, beside the cliffs and the rugged beaches, that the accomplishment of the journey is celebrated and the freedom that only cycling provides is savoured.

This event is much more than a sporting competition. The Alvalade – Porto Covo BTT Raid is a rite of passage, a way of experiencing Alentejo intensely, crossing two distinct but complementary worlds: the rural interior and the splendour of the coast.

Taking part in this event is, above all, a tribute to endurance, the spirit of adventure, and a love of nature. It’s an invitation to discover an Alentejo of contrasts and charms, ideal for those seeking to combine physical activity with a true experience of the region.

We invite our readers to follow this iconic journey, whether as participants or as keen observers of one of the most beautiful MTB rides in Portugal. And who knows, perhaps in a future edition, you too will feel the call of land and sea beckoning you.

Registrations are made exclusively online on the website:
https://btt.fc-alvaladense.pt