Monday Morning - Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Tuesday Morning: From Dust till Dawn

Sofiane Sehili

Miguel Veterano

Chris McNaughton

Andoni Guridi Santos

Flávio Fonseca

Carlos Cabral

Duarte Tirapicos

Luís Beltrão

Carlos Azevedo

Paulo Campelo

Luis André Henriques

Ludovic Oddos

Daniel Perucho

José Alves

Mauri Konttila

Gerald Rumpf

Diogo Manjerico

João Nascimento

Alice Segre

Tiago Carvalho

Robert Vosmeijer

Carlos Amaro

João Pombinho

Tiago Alves

Ricardo Correia

Alfredo Chambel

Ida Bircher

Nuno Lobo

Antonio Magalhães

Rui Rodrigues

Diana Neves

Michael Arnold

Andre Schmitt

Rafael Barros

Joshua Herron

Henrique Simoes

Ricardo Vieira

Bruno Julião

David Pires

Roberto Ribeiro

Leonardo Maia

Duarte Veloso

Charles Silver

Filipe Soares

Nuno Caldas

Luis Rogado

Rui Perez

Martin Kecke

Alessandro Giusto

Javier Barrionuevo

Silvio Coatto

Fabio Ravaglia

Maarten Overweg

Alan Dick

Fausto Carvalho

Filipe Medeiros

Filipe Pinto

Artur Vieira

Gustavo Pelicano

Leonel Marques

António Neto

João Manuel Pinto

Lino Barruncho

Pedro Queiroz

Snorre Førli

Eduardo Gomes

José Zacarias

Emanuel Rodrigues

Luís Cordeiro

Rodrigo Guerreiro

Daniel Cortinhas

Rui Monteiro

Grzegorz Walnik

Agata Strączkiewicz

Dariusz Sendek

Arnaud Duhé

Filipe Moreira

Paulo Vieira

João Machado

Nuno Luz

Fritz Sobik

Jonas Pausch

João Macedo

Amândio Santos

Juliet Elliott

Koen Staals

Rui Carvalho

Elói Faria

Juliana Veterano

Daniel Nordh

Diogo Gonçalves

Lúcia Maria Ferreira

Nuno Silva

Ricardo Pereira

Niall Doggett

Cathal Dillane

Tiago Galhano

Bert Vergote

Rui Martins

Ricardo Ribeiro Alves

Augi Yi

Ezekiel Amos

Joe Santos

Ricardo Marques

Paulo Ferreira

Pedro Aires

Hugo Ravara

Alexandre Alves

Gonçalo Guerreiro

Simão Rodeia

Tiago Teotónio Pereira

Rodrigo Baltazar

Patricia Geraldes

Nelson Risso

Pedro Gonçalves

Jorge Raminhas

Rui Pacheco

Elisabete Queirós

Fergal Treacy

Ricardo Cunha

José Torres

César Bernardo

Ana Baptista

Bruno Curto

André Ferreira

Rui Cardoso

Edgar Queirós

Nuno Pinto

Gonçalo Duarte

Pedro Guilherme

Cláudia Marques

Filipe Oliveira

Bill Dix

Marco Francisco

Sean Kline

Bernardo Braga

Pedro Pratas

Manuel Saraiva

Pedro Ferreira

Vítor Penetra

Magda Pereira

David Pessoa

Miguel Pessoa

João Gaspar

Luís Gaspar

Ricardo Gama

Tiago Costa

Rui Pancadares

Cidália Ribeiro

MEDIA CAR 2

MEDIA CAR 1

__2 Days to Go - Last Preps:__

It's time to pack those final things, powerbars, rain pants, and spare socks, finish up those last training sessions, and mentally gear up for the adventure ahead. This ultracycling race isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a celebration of community and exploration. [Ludo](https://www.instagram.com/ludoodd/ "Ludovic Oddos Instagram") (Cap #41), who faced a frustrating DNF at La Traka last weekend, is now even more excited to ride this Saturday. “It’ll be great to get back on the road, and I’m looking forward to setting off with Ricardo ([Velocidade](https://www.instagram.com/ateliervelocidade/ "Atelier Velocidade")).” His bike looks solid packed already:
![Bike Ludo](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2oWnTR3ZWrJ7Tz2N0Q0Bym/f96cbb4f7de3dc8f3d23302462c51c8e/Bike_Ludo.png)*photo credit: [Ludovic Oddos](https://www.instagram.com/ludoodd/)*

The magic of the Alentejo will accompany the starters as we explore the stunning landscapes between the Atlantic and the hills of the Serra do Caldeirão.
Last year’s edition was mostly hot and dry—I remember temperatures soaring up to 36 degrees! Even though the organizers say, “There won’t be deserts,” you'll definitely feel the heat on the route. But the weather is promising (so far) to be just right; with a forecast of 25 degrees, it should provide perfect racing conditions—not too windy—and if the forecast holds true, the last rain will fall on Friday and stay away for the following days. Fingers crossed!

__The Route - On the Menu:__

Kicking off in Castro Verde, a charming little town at the heart of Alentejo, the race begins with its first little highlight. Right from the start, the landscape enchants with gentle hills and misty, sprawling fields. 

![foggy fields START2024](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1s0qXgbBBb2KWr69jcgzJs/101c8a18f27dbbb01e1b482d4f0eb785/20240511_071355.jpg) *photo credit: [Lott_the_Klinge](https://www.instagram.com/lotti_the_klinge/)*

The warm hospitality of the locals is unbeatable and will be a constant presence along the route—people offering to make extra sandwiches or provide a place to sleep—let the road magic unfold.

This 4th edition brings some changes with it. The shorter route has been extended by about 60 kilometers compared to previous years, providing more variety and challenge. The L'Abetarda 330 shares most of its path with the Gravel Birds 750, featuring an elevation gain of about 4,000 m, with an impressive 65% of the terrain on gravel. Expect no flat stretches, and adventurers will have to prove themselves in the rugged, hilly terrain of Alentejo. We’ll be spending long hours riding far from civilization—plenty of time to ponder, “Why am I doing this?” The rewarding yet seemingly endless climbs of the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana or the steep climbs next to the reservoir Santa Clara, along with the endless ups and downs on the fiery red sand, will challenge each starter mentally. I recall my mantra from last year's race: “Mind over body, mind over body,…”

__Starters - Let´s put some Spice inside:__

For the 750 km route, an impressive 78 solo riders and 19 pairs have registered, while the 330 km route boasts 40 solo riders and 12 pairs. In total, 154 participants from 17 countries will be at the starting line!

Let’s take a closer look: The FLINTA starters are rare but mighty. On the solo list, we have just four female riders: Ida Bircher (Cap #71), Agata Strączkiewicz (Cap #63), Diana Neves (Cap #24), and Alice Segre (Cap #11). I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on that competition!
In the pair section, [Juliet Elliott](www.https://www.instagram.com/julietelliott/) (Cap #80) stands out as a super strong athlete—both on and off the bike. As seen on her YouTube channel, she’s already trained extensively for 2025 and competed in The Traka in Girona just days ago. Not much time to recharge her legs, but as I said, she seems incredibly strong. I also discovered another inspiring woman on the list, Juliana Veterano [Juliana Veterano](https://www.instagram.com/this.is.juliana.v/)(Cap #79), who hosts the Zone2Speak Podcast. She’ll certainly have the right mindset and headspace to enter the race.

A favorite among the men is [Sofiane Sehili](https://www.instagram.com/sofianeshl/) (Cap #8), who is sure to deliver an exciting race. But we also have [João Manuel Pinto](https://www.instagram.com/joao_manuelpinto/) (Cap #2), who finished 2nd last year and has trained hard for the 2025 edition, lining up at the start. I’m stoked to see who will take the lead. “Personally, I’d love to finish in the top quarter of the field. For me, this race is about finding flow, enjoying the ride, and pushing myself after a tough start to the season,” [Ludo](https://www.instagram.com/ludoodd/ "Ludovic Oddos Instagram") shared with me. 

Let’s see what unfolds: Who will be leading the race? What strategies will be the most popular? Who will sleep outside, who won’t sleep at all, and who’s going to race while others simply soak in the stunning scenery and enjoy the pain train? 😉 

Feel free to follow [GRAVELBIRDS](https://www.instagram.com/gravelbirds.cc/) for more updates from Alentejo aka Birdlands.

__Let’s tackle the mountains and tickle our race souls!__


Gravelbirds 2025 - Race Preview

It looks like the rain has left the stage almost everyone has arrived at the venue! I’ve seen pictures from the airport, with people playing tetris with their bikes, testing their setups on the road and enjoying pastel de nata in Castro Verde already. Speaking of setups, they are as diverse as the expectations about how steep the mountain climbs will really be (and trust me, it won't be what you expect).

![Bikes of Gravelbirds 2025](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2u34SeV4xbXVrzDjOF8o3p/73378ae0d4c654741aea79793a4b274b/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-09_at_08.39.00.jpeg) *photo credits: Chris McNaughton (Cap #20), João Machado (Cap #34), Carlos Azevedo (Cap #16), Nuno Caldas (Cap #50), Charles Silver (Cap #19), Gonçalo Duarte (Cap #121) *

__What Else Is Happening?__

People are sharing last-minute tips and thoughts, being wonderfully supportive of one another, and offering help. That’s the spirit we’re looking for!

* Favorite tip from [Marco Francisco](https://www.instagram.com/marco_francisco/) (Cap #104) in the riders’ group chat: “Don’t forget your toothbrush! Besides being important for hygiene, brushing your teeth always gives you a boost. But more importantly, it ensures a photo finish without any food stuck in your teeth.” Absolutely love it-Amen!
* Favorite conclusion [Nuno Gomes](https://www.instagram.com/nuno____cc/) (rider in 2023&2024): “Too many days with your butt on a bike transforms people in unexpected ways… you dig deep inside, and you realize that you're actually not that complex or weird!” So true - This is why we became friends 
* Another golden nugget from [Diana Neves](https://www.instagram.com/dianovski/) (Cap #24) : “Last year I completely forgot to withdraw cash beforehand, and in one remote village, the only open café didn’t accept cards. One of the locals ended up paying for my sandwich! I was speechless!”

By the way, Diana Neves will be the first Portuguese woman to tackle the 750km route. It's remarkable that she's back on the bike already for that big challenge after her big crash a few months ago. She is also a co-founder of [WOMENS BIKEPACKING PT](https://www.instagram.com/womens_bikepacking_pt/). When I asked her about her strategy, she said, “Overall strategy? I don’t have one! It’s my first time at an event this big. Last year I did the shorter route, enjoyed it, and decided to go for the long one this year.” Her sleeping arrangements are simple: she’ll be bivouacking outside, as Alentejo is perfect for that. I must admit, I’ve never felt so safe being outdoors alone—just me and my bike... and maybe a few iberian scorpions.

It seems we have all kinds of riders joining us here: super lightweight bikepackers, those with aerobars, mountain bike flat bars, racers with almost nothing on their bikes, connoisseurs with full sleeping setups, and some who are just going to let the magic happen. I spotted many familiar names from the riders list in 2024. So I guess the Gravelbirds organizers and Alentejo have not only stolen my heart, but the hearts of others as well <3

__Accreditation__ and the riders’ briefing will be later today __at 2 PM__. The __start__ will be __tomorrow morning at 6:30 AM__ with the sunrise. 

Ready to conquer your inner self, riders?


The Day Before the Start: Don’t Forget to Grab Your Goodie Bag!

After a late briefing yesterday at 9 PM, the organizers kicked off the event with a social carb loading session. I can still recall how incredible the food was last year – the flavors were amazing, and it was the perfect pre-race fuel we all needed.![Accreditiation](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6e90lXxNVHd6HRc46bYTEp/a091bf62b268e819bc5f017701e1030c/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-10_at_01.00.20.jpeg)*photo credit: [Fotografamos (Pedro)](https://www.instagram.com/fotografamos/)*

Our __START__ this morning was right on the dot at 6:30 AM local time (07:30 CET) at Largo da Feira in Castro Verde. The atmosphere was electric as riders lined up, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Forecasts indicated mostly crosswinds, and for now, we’re dodging the rain. It’s actually a blessing that the sun isn’t beating down too hard - so there are plenty of shady spots to take a quick breather along the way. And if it gets worse we all remember: When it rains, you go faster because you stop less often! 
![Start](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7lUaXi24a4yK2nBhNgdx2a/cc46d8bb4b52d51978954fcd21d6a64e/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-10_at_10.00.43.jpeg)*photo credit: [Fotografamos (Pedro)](https://www.instagram.com/fotografamos/)*

However, the day hasn’t been without its hiccups: four riders were unable to start (DNS). [Juliet Elliott](www.https://www.instagram.com/julietelliott/) (Cap #80) is currently making her way back to fetch her cellphone and her teammate's charger for the shifting system. But last night she said in a voicemail that she packed super light without any sleeping setup, so I'm not worried that it will take too long - fingers crossed! 🤞

If the leaders keep up this pace, I expect the first riders to reach CP1 in Pomarao by this afternoon, roughly 200 kilometers in, right past the spooky Minas de S. Domingos. Last year there was a time limit on entering the old mines because, after that, it becomes too hazardous to navigate in the dark—this is no joke! I can vividly recall three flat tires in that eerie area, where I had to literally take my bike for a stroll in 2024. The vibes in there were spine-chilling!This year we don't have the tunnels & bridges sections. The riders will follow the tarmac road after Santana de Cambas.
[Luís Beltrão](https://www.instagram.com/beltrao_topcycling/) (Cap #80), who once called this region home, shared a poignant insight: "Many of the villages we'll pass through didn’t even have drinking water just 20 years ago."

Later, this afternoon Sporting and Benfica will play a decisive game for the national football championship. Some riders will stop to watch.

Wishing you all strong legs and magical moments out there!


VAMOS! - Morning Kickoff on Track!

The race remains exciting! Leader Cristian Gonzalez (Cap #21) has already covered 150 km and has just about 50 km left to CP1. Hot on his (w)heels are Sofiane Sehili (Cap #8) and Chris McNaughton (Cap #20), who are only 3 to 5 km behind him. But we know: ultra races are not won on the first day.On the shorter route, Tiago Galhano (Cap #108) is leading the group.

The women's field is also getting interesting! [Alice Segre](https://www.instagram.com/alliesegre/) (Cap #11) is on the verge of breaking the 100 km mark, while Ida Bircher (Cap #71) and Diana Neves (Cap #24) are closely following her – it’s keeping everyone on their wet toes! Looks like they had to pass some rivers already 💦 
![screenshot1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3dvouzUBekEl527E24ykV9/2c979ccee726076f5f9eae7c69601474/Bildschirmfoto_2025-05-10_um_13.43.32.png)*photo credit: Screenshot [Alice Segre](https://www.instagram.com/alliesegre/)*

And let’s not forget: Media Car1 is waiting in Minas de S. Domingos for the riders, who are likely already covered in sweat and dust. It’s shaping up to be an exciting day!

Update: Saturday Noon

Last night in Mertola, all three leading women stopped to share a meal together. It warmed my heart to witness how this race connects and brings people together. Alice Segre (Cap #11) currently holds the lead among the women, while Diana Neves (Cap #24) fought to hang on for a bit longer yesterday, but Alice had already set out early. Meanwhile, Ida Bircher (Cap #71) treated herself to a good night's sleep and is riding in third place. Recovery is so important, and besides, taking it "slow" allows you to soak in the stunning nature and the warm-hearted people around.

![leading woman](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3s4lj9BoEHrBaXH77W6EKp/333f5057e1ff666a3458761948eb1406/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-10_at_21.44.34.jpeg)
*photo credit: [João Nascimento](https://www.instagram.com/nash.and.bikes/)* (Cap #35)

On the __L’Abetarda__, Tiago Galhano (Cap #108) crossed the finish line around 20:15 (UTC), followed two hours later by Bert Vergote (Cap #113) and another 2.5 hours later by Rui Martins (Cap #140). This morning at around 6 o’clock, we had a "sprint" for the 5th place on the L’Abetarda! As of now, we already have seven finishers—what an incredible achievement, everyone!

The pairs on the __L’Abetarda__ spent the night near Santa Clara a Nova at CP3. Pedro Ferreira (Cap #152) and Manuel Sareiva (Cap #151) secretly slipped away around 3 AM. We all know that feeling: riding while the rest of the world sleeps is unbeatable. Chasing the sunrise, they’ll be savoring their first coffee in Almodovar—a great choice!

[Maarten Overweg](https://www.instagram.com/jantatttt/) (Cap #46) sent in this update with a picture from his sleeping place this morning around 6: “Reporting from the back of the flock. So far, so good. Made it further yesterday than I had originally planned. What an honor and privilege to ride in this breathtaking country. Around every corner, all I could say was wow!” Hope you can dip your toes in the ocean today, Maarten!

![maarten sleepingplace](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4ax8Qepdb6i9lfVNC2jcBW/697cfa68d0b79589f1131e0824474632/maarten_sleepingplace.jpg) 
*photo credit: [Maarten Overweg](https://www.instagram.com/jantatttt/)* (Cap #46)

Up front, the leaders on the long route are absolutely smashing it. Sofiane Sehili (Cap #8) reached CP2 in Zambujeira do Mar last night at 3:45 AM and kept pushing onward. Somehow, he managed to carve out a significant lead and is now nearly in Porto Covo. He should stop there and grab me one of my favorite Pastel de Nata along the route, but stopping doesn’t seem to be his cup of tea—he has only 1% (17 minutes) of stop time over 465 km. Chris McNaughton (Cap #20) is currently at CP2, while João Manuel Pinto (Cap #2) will reach it any minute now, keeping the pressure on.

![Sunrise at Mu](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1yFpSCVht2x9lH7He7eGZB/39cb709f9b5f7a19a475beca473cc88c/Sunrise_at_Mu.jpeg) *photo credit: [Jose Zacarias](https://www.instagram.com/jose.on.wheels/)* (Cap #36)

I’ve seen some folks riding through the night, navigating in the dark, but we’re blessed with almost 14 hours of daylight today, with a pleasant temperature of 10.49°C, few clouds, and a light breeze of 1.4 m/s at CP2.

Today's must-try: savor the soul-warming soup in Odemira: „canja de galinha com miúdos“.

Sunday Morning: Stuck in the Middle with You


We ended and started the day with some DNF for several different reasons, none by major incident, thankfully without any serious incidents. One of the frontrunners in the 750 km race, João Manuel Pinto (Cap #2), had to drop out due to health issues. "This was his third attempt at the Gravel Birds. Pneumonia in 2023 (DNF, but 2nd at CP1), last year he placed second in the GB750. This time, it was simply a blister at the worst possible moment and in the wrong ‘place’ that triggered an extremely uncomfortable and painful journey. João was once again an example of resilience and inspired our community," reads a post from the [GRAVELBIRDS](https://www.instagram.com/gravelbirds.cc/ )organizers on Instagram. Making such a difficult decision often proves harder than crossing the finish line. I’m glad to see awareness for these issues and not finishing at any price growing.
![joao ](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5DQJwp6nqaZ8mDJf7WJw7Y/d84e051e7b552cea2a347403b639abc9/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-11_at_22.26.55.jpeg)*photo credit: [Lloyd Wright](https://www.instagram.com/lloydjwright/)*

But back to the racers: Sofiane Sehili (Cap #8) is about 50 km from the finish line, with only Miguel Veterano (Cap #4) behind him. David, one of the organizers, shared via WhatsApp that they predict Sofiane will arrive in around two hours.

On the women's front, participants are trailing each other by about 10 km on their way to CP2. The campsite in Zambujeira do Mar would certainly be a tempting place to rest and spend the night. I’m curious to see who will be the first to get back on the bike or even don’t get off. On instagram i saw some flat tires here but most important: icecream! That´s the stats:

* Alice Segre (Cap #11) – 410 km, Position No. 25
* Diana Neves (Cap #24) – 403 km, Position No. 27
* Ida Bircher (Cap #71) – 390 km, Position No. 37

In the Gravel Birds 750 - Pairsection, Juliet Elliott (Cap #80) and Juliana Veterano (Cap #79) have left the route to enjoy a warm bed for the night. With the beautiful weather, the mood can’t be dampened, despite the tough climbs. 

![juliana screenshot](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1mXwYsdCbtrRKMcVlFjW1U/4bb95217dd9470f513bd0c2647835110/perfect_so_far..tiff) *photo credit: [Juliana Veterano](https://www.instagram.com/this.is.juliana.v/)*

Among the L’Abetarda - solo riders, there are still 14 participants on the course. I can imagine that either a late-night shift is underway or they’ll take it easy and finish tomorrow. After all, one would miss the stunning scenery in the dark. However, I hope everyone stays safe because there’s a dangerous road crossing after the village of Ourique, just 90 km before the finish. The fastest woman, Patricia Geraldes (Cap #128), has already crossed the finish line at 15:49. Chapeau!

![1.woman lábertada](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1f8dokd1p63Uy9wZvivOWV/07f4f7b955a0f8a11184c74121cac7e1/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-11_at_22.27.00.jpeg)*photo credit: [Lloyd Wright](https://www.instagram.com/lloydjwright/)*

For the pairs, João Gaspar (Cap #153) and Luís Gaspar (Cap #154) have only 10 km left to the finish. I still get goosebumps thinking about the moment of crossing the finish line after hours of battling to see who needs more attention—my knees or my backside. A pizza, a warm shower, and straight to bed!

Speaking of pizza, some of the fortunate finishers are gathering for a communal dinner in Castro Verde. You can be sure there's plenty to share about the ups and downs - I'm talking about both the emotional rollercoaster and the literal climbs and descents of the route. Stories of wet feet, wild sleeping spots, and battling headwinds are already making the rounds, filling the air with laughter.

Sunday Evening - Life is a Rollercoaster

What a race on the 750 km route! Let me tell you right off the bat: the first few kilometers say absolutely nothing about the final outcome. Initially, the eventual winner was hidden in the midfield, bouncing back and forth between positions 2 and 3. But in the end, Sofiane Sehili (Cap #8) crossed the finish line first at 23:50 (GMT+1), with a remarkable moving time of 1 day, 18 hours, and 23 minutes, and only 51 minutes of stoppage time—insane! Second to finish at 3:52 AM (GMT+1) was Miguel Veterano (Cap #4), clocking in with a moving time of 1 day, 18 hours, and 5 minutes, and a stoppage time of 3 hours and 16 minutes. Just half an hour later, Chris McNaughton (Cap #20) crossed the line, finishing with a moving time of 1 day, 18 hours, and 33 minutes, plus 3 hours and 23 minutes of stoppage time.

![sofian finish](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6jXGt8M6w70kwJeoaqX6RR/7e4cfce39fa53abcab0fb893ed5d87ce/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-12_at_01.53.25.jpeg)

photo credit: [Lloyd Wright](https://www.instagram.com/lloydjwright/)

With sand, mountains, and fatigue still challenging the remaining riders, I often find myself in awe of both types of performances. On one hand, you have those who finish this ultra race in just a matter of days or even hours, minimizing their downtime and pushing their limits like machines. On the other hand, there are those who sit on their bikes for days, battling increasing pressure points, doubt, and despair with each passing moment.

Regardless, a big shoutout to all the spirit animals who have already crossed the finish line, to those still on the course, and especially to those who couldn’t start or finish. Cycling isn’t just about speed; it’s about experiencing real emotions, overcoming struggles, and discovering what you truly need. Each participant shares unique experiences—whether they’re marveling at breathtaking views or enduring treacherous moments that test their grit. Moments like these forge lasting friendships; shared struggles bring people together like nothing else.

![chris yesterday](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7s11VS1T9v0WEFgbP4KOft/3a07f36e14dcb94a8b65b42a3d8b64ee/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-12_at_11.47.26.jpeg)

Photo of the 3rd place winner, yesterday at the coast

photo credit: [Chris McNaughton](https://www.instagram.com/chrispynaughton/) (Cap #20)

Currently, Diana Neves (Cap #24) and Ida Bircher (Cap #71) are fighting through the sandy sections along the coast, while Alice Segre (Cap #11) continues to lead the women's field, having already left the coastal side. However, she still has 260 km ahead before reaching the finish. Juliet Elliott (Cap #80) and Juliana Veterano (Cap #79) are making their way back to the route, tackling more mountains and aiming to reach CP2 today.

It’s going to be a super sunny day ahead! Stay strong, everyone!


It’s still around 60% of the rider on the routes. But I’m sure a lot of them will finish today.

Leading the charge toward the finish line is __Alice Segre__, proudly wearing Cap #11. As she navigates the last 40 km of the challenging 750 km track, she’s not just racing against time; she’s on the verge of __becoming the first woman to conquer this version of the event__. 

![alice segre](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7ILi3fhA9yPyAp6Sbfrs6a/68819403016634505d3130268ec43a09/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-12_at_18.29.52__1_.jpeg)

photo credit: [Fotografamos - Pedro](https://www.instagram.com/fotografamos/)

Joined by [João Nascimento](https://www.instagram.com/nash.and.bikes/) ((Cap #35)) and Diogo Manjerico (Cap #25), the group is all set to cross that finish line. After a previous night spent sleeping in a bank - talk about wild adventures - they planned to ride through the night to finish the last 130 km, conversation yesterday afternoon: „today it´s going great, nice weather, we are feeling good, the progression went a bit faster than yesterday. We just finish our dinner and now we finish the route!“ - happy faces & beast mode on! 

Then there’s [Artur Vieira](https://www.instagram.com/oficina35c)(Cap #68) on his Omnium, another spirit animal of this race! Check out his Instagram, where he shares snippets of his  journey: 

![artur omnium](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4EMfMl3ZbRPn5DsiRrcnfE/d47004eec4887a2d532a344ff3fb9960/Bildschirmfoto_2025-05-13_um_07.35.19.png)

photo credit: Screenshot [Artur Vieira](https://www.instagram.com/oficina35c)

He chose to embrace the ride at a “party pace,” making it less about competing and more about enjoying every moment. “I stopped at several cafes, chatted with locals, and even took a refreshing swim in a river along the way,” he shares. True to his word, he rides his Omnium Minimax bike - which is lightweight and built for fun but still a cargo bike - like a pro as he breezes through challenges that would make others halt.

For Artur, it's not about the destination but the experiences along the way. Today, he has his sights set on the beach, proving that fun is just as important as the finish line. Watching him effortlessly glide through a river while others struggle to carry their bikes is simply inspiring -OMG, I would love to join one day out there with these fun people!


Today, Castro Verde celebrated the spectacular finish of the three fastest women in the solo category of the Gravel Birds 750!

Leading the charge was the outstanding Cap#11, Alice Segre . She crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 3 days, 2 hours, and 31 minutes! With a remarkable total pause time of 1 day, 1 hour, and 27 minutes (34%), she demonstrated that she is not only fast but also strategic in her racing approach.
![alice2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4QTRMgBsb0nLP2EWXmp6s3/4fa7c3a18a7645d751302ac2ca2460c5/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-12_at_18.29.50.jpeg)*photo credit: [Fotografamos - Pedro](https://www.instagram.com/fotografamos/)*

In second place was Cap#71, Ida Bircher from Switzerland, who also put in an incredible performance, showcasing her skills and determination throughout the event.
![Ida](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5NBefTEBHhHLFmQ9yuicG5/66979bed7ffa7a6bc82f8989f8948cd9/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-14_at_16.03.10.jpeg)*photo credit: [Fotografamos - Pedro](https://www.instagram.com/fotografamos/)*

Another major highlight of the day was Cap#24, Diana Neves, who became the first Portuguese woman to conquer the challenge of the Gravel Birds 750 route!
![diana](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1s7rcpyGSoYTirPGH4jvH2/db44f63661040276ac121c5a7e7529ac/WhatsApp_Image_2025-05-14_at_16.02.45.jpeg)*photo credit: [Fotografamos - Pedro](https://www.instagram.com/fotografamos/)*

Congratulations to Alice, Ida, and Diana for their incredible achievements! It is inspiring to see how women are setting new standards in this sport - inspire and motivate each other. 

The Fastest Women at the Gravel Birds 750 in Castro Verde!

Last night at 1:22 AM (GMT+1), [Artur Vieira](https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/107515493977448/)(Cap #68) and the Party Pace Patrol crossed the finish line, and it was probably a moment of pure exhilaration! It is heartwarming to see so many riders are more enjoying than racing the route. Instead of just fixating on their handlebars. After some races, I often felt a pang of sadness as I realized I had missed out on the stunning landscapes, incredible food, and the warmth of genuine connections with people.
![arturs bike](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5NFt2gBke1if0MWCYmC457/b8fa3edde816162418698ad814eb182e/496510337_716119440927519_8838436690636405661_n__1_.jpg)*photo credit: [Artur Vieira](https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/107515493977448/)(Cap #68)*

[Leonel Marques](https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/118058062918970/)(Cap #39) took a moment in Aljustrel to soak in the last few minutes of Birdland. The atmosphere must be absolutely electric! With just 83 km to go, it is probably all about mind over body—focusing on the finish line ahead and pushing through the pain in your bum and knees. It's an exhilarating challenge that reminds us why we love this journey 😛
![leo and the horse](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5hXzBV0Ujtij8PqXsoASh7/ec3b8f034f68e9f8a850aa3ea50240ff/494687125_970390551953104_209263406373195686_n__1_.jpg)*photo credit: [Leonel Marques](https://www.instagram.com/direct/t/118058062918970/)(Cap #39)*

[Nuno Gomez](https://www.instagram.com/nuno____cc/), one of the many friendly faces who made this event so special, welcomed participants, stamped brevet cards, collected trackers, and ensured our little table was always stocked with drinks, sweet treats, and savory snacks. He shared that “most riders arrived together or within a short time of each other. The bigger the ‘party’ around the table, the more incredible the spirit of sharing both the joy and the challenges of our adventures on the road.” Seems like you can find friends and real connections here. He also shared a story about Ricardo Alves (#133) finished 4th on L’Abertada at the start of the second day. But instead of leaving, he stayed behind, cheering on the new finishers and lending support to fellow riders. He could have easily called it a night, but he couldn’t bear to leave Birdland and its enchanting vibe. I FEEL YOU RICARDO!


The Home Stretch - Pure Joy (and a Touch of Pain)

Lisa "Lotti" Weichert

Departing from the town of Castro Verde, this adventure loops across the remote inland areas of Guadiana Valley and the majestic Atlantic coast. 

Gravel Birds 2025 Tracking and Commentary

Departing from the town of Castro Verde, this adventure loops across the remote inland areas of Guadiana Valley and the majestic Atlantic coast.

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