Day 2 - Race report

Day 1 - The dots are moving in Portugal

Race Preview

David Herranz Perez

Marco Rodrigues

André Carvalho

Luís Barreiro

Nuno Martins

Francisco Silva

Marco Francisco

Heorhii Veremiev

Pedro Pratas

Carlos Franco

Mário Marinheiro

João Palma

André Alves

Tiago Neves

Gonçalo Cunha

Luís Carvalho

Pedro Ferreira

Ida Alcântara

João Manuel Pinto

Wilson Oliveira

Pedro Pinto

Mathias Jäger

Charlotte Brandt

Hélder Martins

Nuno Malaquias

Cláudia Castro

Filipe Pinto

Kacper Kaczmarek

Tomasz Sieczkowski

Ewa Modrakowska

Magdalena Sobczak

Diogo Manjerico

João Nascimento

Media Car (David & Luís)

All 8 participants who were still on road arrived - safe and sound - along the day and before the event time limit.

The cap#26 Ewa Modrakowska and cap#27 Magdalena Sobczak were the last - but also the happiest - riders to complete the route of 'Heading SouthWest' 2023: 133 hours and 55 minutes.

They arrived 2 hours before the cut-off time, but that doesn't mean they had an easier challenge, specially considering the weather conditions. Despite this, they enjoyed the route like (probably) no one else and continued to smile even on the last and destructive climbs in Serra do Caldeirão.

Earlier, cap#31 Cláudia Castro and cap#32 Filipe Pinto did the ‘dobradinha’. Kika and Filipe - as well as Luís (cap#23) - are the only riders that completed the first two editions of ‘Heading SouthWest’.

We have enough stories to write a book about #cap19 Pedro Pratas and cap#20 Carlos Franco adventures. For now I can tell you that Pedro just started cycling 4 months ago (I repeat: started cycling, not bikepacking) and that Carlos is certainly one of the cyclists in Portugal with the highest number of kilometers pedaled throughout his life.

We are amazed by the attitude and superb vibes of our polish riders! Poland has one of biggest bikepacking communities of the world and now we can realize why. cap#31 Tomasz Sieczkowski and cap#32 Kacper Kaczmarek arrived earlier enough to prepare a surprise to the polish ‘girls’. We can share that ’SouthWest’ had an informal finishers party!

Heading SouthWest 2023 ended! We will back next year for the third edition: 8 - 13 June 2024.

Photo by Luís Luz


The Last Day

About last afternoon/evening. We have 4 more SouthWesterners!

cap#07 Marco Francisco - the host of the Portuguese endoo podcast - completed his first ultra in the best way possible: with his family at the finish line. We think that now he needs to find a way to be interviewed in his own podcast.

cap#08 Heorhii Veremiev 🇺🇦 - the Portuguese version is ‘Jorge’ - is an example of determination. He had a mechanical problem in the most remote area of the route (broken gear cable). He followed the approach 'if you really want to move on you will move on' (even when you're forced to go single speed). He is already thinking about the next adventure. Eventually… tomorrow 'Heading Lisbon' along the coast.

The pair cap#33 Nuno Malaquias / cap#34 Hélder Martins are coworkers and certainly they had a great team building experience. Hélder was recently at ’SouthWest BaseCamp’. Now he is a long distance SouthWesterner!

We still have 8 riders on the road and today is the deadline to complete the route. Follow them via live map and send them all good wishes! They keep struggling!

📸 by cap#38 Mathias Jäger (a great photographer as well by the way)

We Are All Made of Stars

And the lycra heroes are arriving to ‘Germano biciArte Café' in Alte, Algarve. Doesn’t matter if you arrive at the front or if you are riding a bit slower. Whether you're struggling or enjoying it (or both). You are all inspiring adventurers!

Cap#16 Marco Rodrigues completed the route in less than 72 hours. He had a hard night ride, but now he is happy for finishing the job. A few minutes after, cap#10 André Carvalho and cap#23 Luís Barreiro joined him at the finish point. 

It's already official: Luís is the only solo rider that completed the two first editions of 'Heading SouthWest'.

cap#37 Charlotte Brandt and cap#38 Mathias Jäger was the fastest pair to complete the ‘Heading SouthWest’ 2023 route. Charlotte is also our fastest woman! They came from Switzerland and loved the Portuguese experience. Means a lot to know it! They live in a beautiful mountainous country and recently participated in fantastic European ultras. Congrats, Mathias and Charlotte!

cap#14 Nuno Martins also finished yesterday - after lunch time. In the inaugural edition - HSW’22 - he drop out after the first 350 kilometers. He came back and finished the job. Well done, Nuno!

cap#12 Francisco Silva arrived with a huge smile - despite the awful pain in his Achilles tendon. He had to walk barefoot through the streets of Alte for have dinner. Francisco started cycling and bikepacking during the second wave of the pandemic. Two years later, he finished 'SouthWest' with a surprising and (according to him) unexpected performance. Congratulations, you are now officially a SouthWesterner!

The fastest riders already finished, but ‘SouthWest’ is still on the road and far from the end. Keep following our adventurers and send them good vibes. All energies will be very welcome to boost their journey!

📸 by @l.c.luz >> Luís Luz

Alte-Algarve State of Mind

David Herranz Perez - cap#08 - was the fastest rider to complete the route of 'Heading SouthWest' 2023: 64 hours and 27 minutes.

The Spanish rider faced almost everything, including mechanical problems that didn't allow him to finish much earlier

Congratulations, David! What an incredible persistence and good vibes - even during the 'lows'.

📸 by @l.c.luz >> Luís Luz

David Herranz Perez: HSW'23 Fastest Rider

# EN
![DSC09435](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3DWERrqpAyR4SBZyMMXFX3/48b8d11fd2015de2b3b1a1da33366750/DSC09435.jpg)

> Photo by Luís Luz

## Race report

![Screenshot 2023-06-06 110806](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5xDA5vXUgbGANmqu2lRWBz/b7fc43af8df6b884dad8b3be238aa117/Screenshot_2023-06-06_110806.jpg)

David had a pretty strong lead over everyone at the beginning of the day. Luís Carvalho, second place at the time, was trailing him at about 60 kms but a mechanical forced him to scratch the race. This opened a big gap between David and the new second place, Marco Rodrigues. Later in the day, found his own pace and eventually took more than 20 kms from David’s lead.
David kept a very strong pace all day with almost no stops. The big question at the end of the day was knowing when and where he would stop for some rest. But he ventured through the night and only stopped at CP3 in Évora at about 0400h of today. That was a very big push that surprised me for real that shows his commitment to win big.

![Screenshot 2023-06-06 110710](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/OTn88XrI7FJEHWoGkDNwQ/9abb459b20873d32f287f53c487271ee/Screenshot_2023-06-06_110710.jpg)

The first pace only opened the gap between themselves and the second pair yesterday. At this point it is clear that they are riding at their own pace and not controlling the competition, to the point that they are close to the group that are fighting for the podium of the solo race. 

![DSC09483](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6pPtrUX0WvkIfCALIuWz8p/9e198d286a945aefa4a37889161b6829/DSC09483.jpg)

> Photo by Luís Luz

There’s a group that is trailing the top 3 riders and that is fighting for a podium position. They exchanged positions yesterday several times, and it’s impossible to know how it will end up. 

## Weather conditions again

![Screenshot 2023-06-05 182437](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/3CN5hJbWFGG2F9L3BW0LRY/2e7d50c33b0c024b94644643d378cf00/Screenshot_2023-06-05_182437.jpg)

> Instagram of Nuno Malaquias

Weather conditions played a big part again in the race. Yesterday during the day, riders were reporting simultaneously temperatures above 40ºC and a few km north some were reporting wind, rain and hail storms . This eventually caused some riders to look for refugee and deviate from the route. The route crosses some of the emptiest roads in Iberia Peninsula and there is little to no opportunity to take any shelter. In some parts no even trees. For this reason, João Palma had to take a ride from a car to the nearest village to protect himself from the hail storm. He ended up ending the day there.
Some other riders had to deal with the heat and protected themselves in some of the small villages near the route during the warmest part of the day.

![Screenshot 2023-06-06 110155](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7MQx5yP7snp78sn2Xnxgvw/5a7d471f9d9ba3820bd0eaa06ec60a54/Screenshot_2023-06-06_110155.jpg)
> Instagram of João Palma

## DNF

![DSC09533](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5EYJF69hvADsRVCZZTGf7S/f6ea581062245617efeeaba1ee9226cd/DSC09533.jpg)

As riders get more and more tired, some problems arise. And unfortunately, some of them end up as DNF. André Alves was struggling with stomach problems since day 1, and yesterday he ended up reporting a DNF. Tiago Neves also reported as DNF suffering from saddle sores.
As reported yesterday, Luís Carvalho reported some problems with his front wheel and eventually reported as DNF during the morning yesterday. 
Mário Marinheiro, one of the veterans in the peloton that was doing an amazing race, also scratched the race due to mechanicals.

![DSC09512](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/1FUk55UfWvNxyB9eX0iuja/938641cbee68e4256f06ed3a583e2b06/DSC09512.jpg)

> Photo by Luís Luz

# PT
Ontem o David tinha uma vantagem bastante sólida sobre todos no início do dia. 
O Luís Carvalho, segundo colocado no início do dia, estava logo atrás dele a cerca de 60 km, mas um problema mecânico forçou-o a abandonar a corrida. Isso abriu uma grande diferença entre David e o novo segundo colocado, Marco Rodrigues. 
Mais tarde, o Marco que vinha próximo do Luís e a melhorar, encontrou o seu próprio ritmo e conseguiu reduzir mais de 20 km da vantagem do David.
O David manteve ainda assim um ritmo muito forte o dia todo, com quase nenhuma paragem. A grande questão no final do dia era saber quando e onde é que ele iria parar para descansar. A nossa dúvida permaneceu aberta durante mais algumas horas porque ele continuou a noite toda e só parou no CP3 em Évora por volta das 04h00 de hoje. Foi um esforço incrível que me surpreendeu bastante e mostra o compromisso dele em vencer à maneira dele.

O primeiro par ampliou a diferença para o segundo par durante o dia de ontem. Por esta altura é claro que eles estão a pedalar ao seu próprio ritmo e não a controlar a competição. O ritmo deles é tão forte que estão próximos do grupo que está a lutar pelo pódio da prova a solo.

Os corredores que formam o grupo que perseguem os três primeiros classificados lutaram o dia todo pelas suas posições e com alguma sorte um lugar no pódio. Eles trocaram de posições várias vezes ontem entre eles, e é impossível prever por esta altura qual a ordem destes corredores. Um dos corredores que vinha neste grupo e a fazer uma excelente corrida era o veterano Mário Marinheiro. Infelizmente ele foi forçado a desistir durante o dia de ontem devido a problemas mecânicos.

## Condições climatéricas novamente

As condições climáticas desempenharam um papel importante novamente na corrida. Ontem, durante o dia, os ciclistas relataram simultaneamente temperaturas acima de 40ºC e alguns quilômetros ao norte, outros relataram vento, chuva e granizo. Isso acabou levando alguns ciclistas a procurar abrigo e desviar da rota. A rota atravessa algumas das estradas mais desertas da Península Ibérica e há pouca ou nenhuma oportunidade de encontrar abrigo. Em algumas partes, nem mesmo árvores. Por esse motivo, João Palma teve que pegar uma carona de um carro até a vila mais próxima para se proteger da tempestade de granizo. Ele acabou terminando o dia lá.
Alguns outros ciclistas tiveram que lidar com o calor e se proteger em algumas das pequenas aldeias próximas à rota durante a parte mais quente do dia.

## DNF (Did Not Finish)

À medida que os ciclistas ficam cada vez mais cansados, surgem alguns problemas. Infelizmente, alguns deles acabam abandonando a corrida. André Alves estava enfrentando problemas de estômago desde o primeiro dia e ontem acabou abandonando a corrida. Tiago Neves também abandonou a corrida devido a dores na região do selim.
Conforme relatado ontem, Luís Carvalho teve problemas com sua roda dianteira e eventualmente abandonou a corrida durante a manhã de ontem. Mário Marinheiro, um dos veteranos do pelotão que estava fazendo uma corrida incrível, também abandonou a corrida devido a problemas mecânicos.


# EN
The mountains promised and the mountains delivered. Yesterday, riders started from Coimbra and headed east directly to the mountains of central Portugal.

![DSC09374](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/7Bv3ufkeidVTzoZGj6to2h/bf06329c4b90f7c8695f45e6384b049c/DSC09374.jpg)
>       Photo by Luís Luz

## Conditions
The major player of the day was the weather: riders faced a temperature range between 9ºC and the high 30s. To add insult to injury, riders were received in the Serra da Estrela hills with rain, wind, and hail, which made the progression difficult for some and hardcore for others.
The division between the top riders and the rest occurred earlier than I had anticipated.

![DSC09349](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/4sFLz1UiGy0EWaCm77J8vI/14259043d08da9dca2a1270ca5bcc433/DSC09349.jpg)
>       Photo by Luís Luz

## Race for top spots
Riders started with a very strong pace, and it was clear that gaps between riders were about to form.

![1](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/2WhBjJhYCvv2L8JvAv9qlc/90afb2a3966246b2248244183238c0dc/1.jpg)

By 2:00 PM, it was already clear who had intentions to compete for a top spot in the race. David had a slight lead over Luís Carvalho and André Alves, and then there was a significant gap between them and the other riders. Marco Rodrigues was trailing the leading trio in a "no man's land" style.

![2](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6Ss1iphtHQYP8LDU2rLCnZ/fbf8e020bfc95ddfb094bfa8979bd06e/2.jpg)

However, a few hours later, at 7:00 PM, after the biggest climb of the race, Adamastor, there was already a 50-minute gap between David and the Portuguese duo. Marco was still not far behind, and then there was a larger group of riders dealing with the challenging slopes of the day.
This configuration remained more or less the same during the following hours.

Around midnight and 4:00 AM, several changes occurred. Riders had to head north, enter Spain, and then turn back south. David clearly pushed hard during this period because he widened the gap between him and everyone else. Luís Carvalho was the only rider who was somewhat chasing him. André Alves stopped for a few hours and was caught by the riders behind him.

![3](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/5b4kQDKfGbOYGiqph1L8Cy/1ed224c96dc9c6f0e5f59683d81fab61/3.jpg)

At 4:00 AM, the gap was significant enough to provide some peace of mind to the race leader, but he continued to push on during this morning.
Behind him, some drama unfolded. André Alves reported stomach problems, and later Luís Carvalho reported issues with the front wheel. He eventually had to withdraw due to an unfixable mechanical problem.

![DSC09031](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6ljKCq6WbS1moSr7Uf1Mci/c6044aae9f9a1f6f1cdb687fc17f9732/DSC09031.jpg)
>       Photo by Luís Luz

In the pairs race, the Swiss pair started strong and never left any room for doubt. They are determined to win, and at the end of yesterday's day, they had a margin of over 50 minutes to the second pair. A long rest at around 8:00 PM at CP1 significantly reduced their lead, which raised the question of whether the second pair was there to challenge for the top spot. However, the second pair, Hélder Martins and Nuno Martins, stopped for the day in Manteigas while the leading pair braved through the night, heading north. At around 7:00 AM today, they had a margin of about 3 hours between them.

![DSC09097](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/P3Ab8HFbVyZV2TSsIU7EJ/c372bb3f7f49639e9f76e1286cc0ee8f/DSC09097.jpg)
>       Photo by Luís Luz

## DNFs

Unfortunately, we had one rider who had to withdraw on the first day. Ida tackled the mountains with a strong pace, but later in the day yesterday, she reported a DNF.
Pedro Ferreira also reported DNF yesterday due to personal reasons.

# PT
As montanhas prometeram e as montanhas entregaram. Ontem, os ciclistas partiram de Coimbra e seguiram diretamente para as montanhas do centro de Portugal.

## Condições
O grande protagonista do dia foi a meteorologia: os ciclistas enfrentaram uma variação de temperatura entre 9ºC e os altos 30ºC. Para piorar as coisas, os ciclistas foram recebidos nas colinas da Serra da Estrela com chuva, vento e granizo, o que tornou a progressão difícil para alguns e extremamente desafiadora para outros.
A divisão entre os ciclistas da frente e os restantes ocorreu mais cedo do que eu esperava.

## Corrida pelas primeiras posições

Os ciclistas começaram com um ritmo muito forte, e ficou claro que as diferenças entre os corredores ia se formar rapidamente.
Por volta das 14h00, já era evidente quem tinha intenções de disputar uma posição de destaque na corrida. O David (corredor espanhol) tinha uma pequena vantagem sobre o Luís Carvalho e o André Alves, e depois havia uma grande diferença entre eles e os restantes ciclistas. O Marco Rodrigues seguia logo atrás do trio líder numa espécie de "terra de ninguém".

No entanto, algumas horas depois, às 19h00, após a maior subida da corrida, o Adamastor, já havia uma diferença de 50 minutos entre David e a dupla portuguesa. O Marco vinha logo atrás e o grupo principal de ciclistas ainda enfrentava as grandes subidas do dia.
Essa configuração permaneceu mais ou menos a mesma durante as horas seguintes.

Foi por volta da meia-noite e das 4h00 que aconteceram as maiores mudanças. Os ciclistas tinham que seguir em direção a norte, entrar na Espanha e depois voltar para sul. O David acelerou significativamente durante esse período e aumentou a diferença entre ele e todos os outros. O Luís Carvalho foi o único ciclista que continuou na perseguição. O André Alves parou por algumas horas e foi alcançado pelos ciclistas que estavam atrás dele.

No grupo perseguidor aconteceram alguns problemas: o André Alves relatou problemas de estômago, e mais tarde Luís Carvalho teve problemas com a roda dianteira. Eventualmente, ele teve que abandonar a corrida devido a um problema mecânico irreparável.

Isto fez com que o David tenha cimentado uma liderança bastante sólida na corrida. É expectável que mesmo mantendo um ritmo moderado, ele consiga ganhar a corrida.

Na corrida em pares, a dupla suíça começou forte e nunca deixou margem para dúvidas de que vinha para a vitória. Eles apresentaram-se determinados a vencer e, no final do dia de ontem, tinham uma vantagem de mais de 50 minutos para a segunda dupla. Um longo descanso por volta das 20h00 no CP1 reduziu significativamente a sua vantagem, o que levantou a questão se a segunda dupla estava lá para lutar pelo primeiro lugar. No entanto, a segunda dupla, Hélder Martins e Nuno Martins, acabou o dia em Manteigas, enquanto a dupla líder enfrentou a noite seguindo para o norte. Por volta das 7h00 de hoje, eles tinham cerca de 3 horas de vantagem para a segunda dupla.

## DNFs (Did Not Finish)

Infelizmente, tivemos um DNF no primeiro dia. Ida enfrentou as montanhas com um ritmo forte, mas mais tarde no dia de ontem ela relatou um DNF. O Pedro Ferreira desistiu também por motivos pessoais.


Each post is published in English & Portuguese. English first and Portuguese second (português abaixo). 

# EN - Welcome to Heading Southwest

My name is Joel and I will be covering the second edition of Heading Southwest.
The second edition is about to start and I couldn’t be happier to share the highlights (and lows too) of this race.

## About

'Heading SouthWest' is a self-supported and adventure-cycling challenge across Portugal in one-stage. The route starts in the Center of the most southwestern country of Europe and finishes in the most southwestern region: Algarve.

Riders will have to cover 1100 km of scenic routes with a whopping 15000 meters of climbing. The race starts on June 4 in Coimbra and finishes in the 'Portuguese Cycling Mecca': Germano biciArte Café.

![topo_pt](//images.ctfassets.net/6hyijb95boju/6jAw87gUB0Sbziexrhjkmc/87f4b5c7829da490a9decb9a698f4973/topo.jpg) 

Although a small country, Portugal is a very diverse country. In the North the Oceanic Climate prevails and in the South the Mediterranean/Semi-Desert Climate. Looking at the topographic map of Portugal one can easily see that the terrain is different in the north and south of the country.  
'Heading SouthWest' 2023 route was designed to explore the diversity of Portuguese landscapes and cultural heritages. From the mountains in the ‘transition zone’ to the hills and “plains” in Alentejo, heading the ocean surroundings in Algarve. This is a set route event: 99,5% on-road and 0,5% smooth gravel/sterrato.
Riders will have to cross some of the most challenging (and beautiful one could argue) hills and roads in the country.

## Stages

The start is in the beautiful city of Coimbra and the finish is deep in the mountains in the south of Portugal in the small community of Alte. There will be 3 check points:
CP1 - Manteigas
CP2 - Monsanto
CP3 - Évora

### Stage 1
The first stage is an ode to the essence of road cycling: climbs. ‘Selada das Eiras/Açor’ is the first mountainous challenge. The numbers aren't impressive in terms of difficulty (10KM at 3,8% average slope and 2nd category according to Strava), but it will be the first major mountain obstacle of the route. Serra do Açor is a well-kept secret of road cycling in
Portugal and – for sure - it will surprise a lot of riders with the breathtaking views. After this, it’s time for ‘Adamastor’ (9.1K at 7,6%). Probably the most feared road-cycling climbing sector in Portugal. Most riders will climb ‘Adamastor’ on the first day, but probably some will leave it to the second day and spend the night at Loriga. This is most likely the first division between the fast and moderate paced riders. 
Shortly after Sabugueiro is the first CP in Manteigas.

### Stage 2
In my opinion, the stage 2 of the race is where the damage will be made in the legs of the riders. In theory, this section is not as hard as the previous one but the challenging orography will slow down the riders. This region of Portugal (and Spain) is less populated for a reason and the infinite sequence of small steep hills will take a toll on riders’ legs and head. 
The reverse of the coin is that is easily the most beautiful: in Spain riders will cover ‘Arribes del Duero’ with a double climb: the first - 'Salto de Saucelle' - has 6,2 KM, 402 meters of elevation gain and an average slope of 6.5% with a panoramic view over the Douro River/Valley and the peculiar mountain range of Penedo Durão in the Portuguese territory, and later 'La Molinera' with 6,8 KM, 286 meters of elevation gain and 4% average slope. 

After these challenges, riders will cover some "flat" (not) highlands for 100 kilometres and will cross to Portuguese territory again at Fuentes de Oñoro/Vilar Formoso border. 

Before reaching the “most Portuguese village in Portugal” - Monsanto (virtual Check Point 2) - riders will face a short but hard climb: 2,2 KM at almost 9% of average slope and with a cobblestones sector during the first part of the climb. Welcome to the ‘House of the Dragon’.

### Stage 3
The third stage of the route marks the transition from the mountains to the hills and “plains” of Alentejo. But before that, riders will cover the remote region of ‘Beira Baixa’, namely ‘zona raiana’, close to the border and ‘Tagus International Natural Park. 
In Vila Velha de Rodão riders will pass by one of the most iconic natural monuments in Portugal, the Gates of Rodão. and will face the dramatic change of the landscape. 
Riders will cross Tagus River and enter the South of Portugal after passing through Belver – a historic village with stunning views over the river. 

### Stage 4
The stage 4 is the flattest section of the route, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to be easy. Alentejo is know as desert region of the country and the heat can be a tremendous challenge. In addition the villages will only appear from time to time. Riders will have to pace and plan accordingly. 
In this stage there will be a few sterrato sections because they are the most effective way of covering this region known for agriculture. We don’t expect them to make a big impact in the race in terms of difficulty.
However, the last challenge along the route is the hilly transition between Alentejo and Algarve regions. The two hardest climbs in ‘Serra do Caldeirão’ don’t have impressive numbers, but tired legs will play a role here. ‘Pico do Mú’ climb is long and Malhão is a climb with a very irregular slope. ‘Serra do Caldeirão’ is a remote territory and Almodôvar will be an important spot for resupplies thinking about the last effort until the arrival at Germano BiciArte Café in Alte.

## The weather
According to the forecast, we can expect some tricks from the weather. Riders should expect some rain and thunders, but the temperature will be about 15ºC and the mid 20s. 

## Key dates
Official Start
June 04th Sunday 08:00 | Rebolim Beach
Time Limit
June 09th Friday 23:59 | Alte

# PT - Bem-vindos ao Heading Southwest

O meu nome é Joel e vou acompanhar aqui a segunda edição do Heading Southwest. Esta edição está prestes a começar e não poderia estar mais feliz por partilhar os destaques (e também as dificuldades) desta corrida.

## Sobre a corrida

O 'Heading Southwest' é um desafio de ciclismo de aventura e autossuficiência que atravessa Portugal numa única etapa. A rota começa no centro do país e termina na região mais a sudoeste: Algarve.

Os ciclistas terão que percorrer 1100 km de rotas pitorescas, com um total impressionante de 15000 metros de subida. A corrida começa no dia 4 de junho em Coimbra e termina no 'paraíso do ciclismo português': o Germano biciArte Café.

Embora pequeno, Portugal é um país muito diversificado. No norte, prevalece o clima oceânico, enquanto no sul predomina o clima mediterrânico/semiárido. Olhando para o mapa topográfico de Portugal, é fácil perceber que o terreno é diferente no norte e no sul do país. A rota do 'Heading Southwest' 2023 foi planeada para explorar a diversidade das paisagens e do património cultural português. Das montanhas na 'zona de transição' às colinas e 'planícies' do Alentejo, passando pelas paisagens oceânicas no Algarve. Este é um evento com percurso definido em que 99,5% é em estrada e 0,5% em trilhos suaves de cascalho/sterrato. Os ciclistas terão que enfrentar algumas das colinas e estradas mais desafiadoras (e belas, podería dizer) do país.

## Etapas

A partida acontece na bela cidade de Coimbra, e a chegada será nas profundezas das montanhas no sul de Portugal, na pequena comunidade de Alte. Haverá 3 Check points:
CP1 - Manteigas
CP2 - Monsanto
CP3 - Évora

### Etapa 1

A primeira etapa é uma homenagem à essência do ciclismo de estrada: subidas. 'Selada das Eiras/Açor' é o primeiro desafio montanhoso. Os números não são impressionantes em termos de dificuldade (10 km com uma inclinação média de 3,8% e classificação de 2ª categoria de acordo com o Strava), mas será o primeiro obstáculo montanhoso importante da rota. A Serra do Açor é um segredo bem guardado do ciclismo de estrada em Portugal e, com certeza, surpreenderá muitos ciclistas com as vistas deslumbrantes. Depois disso, é hora do 'Adamastor' (9,1 km com 7,6%). Provavelmente, o setor de escalada mais temido do ciclismo de estrada em Portugal. A maioria dos ciclistas subirá o 'Adamastor' no primeiro dia, mas alguns poderão deixar para o segundo dia e passar a noite em Loriga. Provavelmente, essa será a primeira divisão entre os ciclistas mais rápidos e os de ritmo moderado.
Pouco depois do sabugueiro encontra-se o primeiro ponto de verificação em Manteigas.

### Etapa 2

Na minha opinião, a segunda etapa da corrida é onde as pernas dos ciclistas serão mais desafiadas. Em teoria, esta seção não é tão difícil quanto a anterior, mas a orografia desafiadora vai desacelerar os ciclistas. Essa região de Portugal (e Espanha) é menos povoada por algum motivo, e a infinita sequência de pequenas colinas íngremes vai cobrar um preço nas pernas e mente dos ciclistas.
O outro lado da moeda é que é facilmente a mais bonita: na Espanha, os ciclistas percorrerão 'Arribes del Duero' com uma subida dupla: a primeira - 'Salto de Saucelle' - tem 6,2 km, 402 metros de ganho de elevação e uma inclinação média de 6,5%, com uma vista panorâmica sobre o Rio Douro/Vale e a peculiar cordilheira de Penedo Durão, no território português, e depois 'La Molinera', com 6,8 km, 286 metros de ganho de elevação e uma inclinação média de 4%.

Depois desses desafios, os ciclistas percorrerão alguns planaltos por cerca de 100 kms e voltarão ao território português pela fronteira de Fuentes de Oñoro/Vilar Formoso.

Antes de chegar à "aldeia mais portuguesa de Portugal" - Monsanto (CP 2 virtual) - os ciclistas enfrentarão uma subida curta mas difícil: 2,2 km com uma inclinação média de quase 9% e com um setor de paralelos na primeira parte da subida. Bem-vindos à 'House of the dragon'.

### Etapa 3

A terceira etapa da rota marca a transição das montanhas para as colinas e "planícies" do Alentejo. Mas antes disso, os ciclistas irão percorrer a remota região da 'Beira Baixa', conhecida como 'zona raiana', próxima da fronteira e do 'Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional'.
Em Vila Velha de Ródão, os ciclistas passarão por um dos monumentos naturais mais icónicos de Portugal, as Portas de Ródão, e enfrentarão uma mudança dramática de paisagem.
Os ciclistas cruzarão o Rio Tejo e entrarão no sul de Portugal após passarem por Belver, uma vila histórica com vistas deslumbrantes sobre o rio.

### Etapa 4

A etapa 4 é a secção mais plana da rota, mas não necessariamente a mais fácil. O Alentejo é conhecido como a região mais deserta do país e o calor pode representar um tremendo desafio. Os ciclistas terão que gerir o ritmo e planear adequadamente os recursos.
O último desafio da rota é a transição montanhosa entre as regiões do Alentejo e do Algarve. As duas subidas mais difíceis na 'Serra do Caldeirão' não têm números impressionantes, mas as pernas cansadas terão um papel aqui. A subida do 'Pico do Mú' é longa, e o Malhão é uma subida com inclinação muito irregular. A 'Serra do Caldeirão' é um território remoto. Almodôvar será um local importante para reabastecimento para enfrentar o último esforço até a chegada no Germano BiciArte Café em Alte.

## O clima

De acordo com a previsão, podemos esperar algumas surpresas com o tempo. Os ciclistas devem esperar chuva e trovoadas e a temperatura estará em torno de 15ºC e 20ºC a 25ºC.

## Datas importantes

Início oficial
4 de junho, domingo, às 08:00 | Praia do Rebolim
Tempo limite
9 de junho, sexta-feira, às 23:59 | Alte"


[https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=42163102&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true](https://ridewithgps.com/embeds?type=route&id=42163102&metricUnits=true&sampleGraph=true)

The Route

Joel Oliveira

David Cruz

Heading SouthWest 2023 Tracking + Commentary: An offering of Portugal's diversity to the ultra-community; this race leads riders from the centre of Portugal through mountains, plains and the coast to the Algarve.

Heading SouthWest 2023 Tracking

An offering of Portugal's diversity to the ultra-community; this race leads riders from the centre of Portugal through mountains, plains and then south to the Algarve coast.

Heading SouthWest 2023

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Heading SouthWest 2023

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