Above the clouds, 1800 meters up and the sun is shining. Visibility is good and there is nothing between rider and a dip and the Atlantic but ribbons of purpose built singletrack. Welcome to the island of Madeira.
The Story
The chain of 4 small islands collectively known as Madeira sit in the Atlantic Ocean equidistant between North Africa and the Portuguese coast. While the islands have been a total unknown to the cycling world Madeira’s mountain bike star is rising as fast as riders descend from its peaks. The tiny islands have been host to a successful round of the Enduro World Series and the burgeoning sell-out of all three years of the Trans-Madeira Enduro. With those two events under their belts the Madeira team are rolling up their sleeves to deliver a marathon style experience to a different racing crowd.
The Madeira Island Bike Race promises to deliver on the same radical riding of the EWS scene and the hospitality of the Trans-Madeira in a package which suits the palate of the cross-country and marathon racing community. Race promoter and content specialist Antonio Abreu describes Maderia like a travelers paradise, and when singletrack is tossed into that mix he tells a compelling story:
“Madeira is such a unique destination and as locals we always saw the potential for the sport. The steep mountains that merge into the ocean, the warm weather all year round, the diversity of terrain and landscapes, the proximity with the European continent, the culture, history and gastronomy! Having all these small details merged into one little island is something you cannot find elsewhere. Our passion for the sport has helped us to push it forward by creating new trails, having media productions related to biking and welcoming tourists from all around the World. You just need to see it to believe it!”
Antonio and the Madeira Bike Race team are all lifelong locals with a passion for their home. In the EWS they showcased a tremendous range of terrain; ” each day seems like you’re riding on a different continent,” says Abreu. With The Madeira Bike Race the focus will once again be the tremendous range of terrain, excellent singletrack, and post race hospitality to rival the very best beach party.
What to Expect:
-Race Dates: October 8-12, 2020
-5 days of racing
-Pairs Format
-270 Kilometers
-8000 meters total climbing
-Participation limited to 60 teams
-2 Islands
-Mens, Womens, Mixed categories
-Antonio and team recommend a full-suspension for optimal “shredding”
-Fully Supported race stages with all logistics covered
-Total cost 1750 € per rider
Getting registered
Registration for year 1 of the Madeira Bike Race opens February 1st and is expected to sell out quickly. Our team will be there covering the first running of the event and recommends a quick click to register. The Trans-Madeira Enduro sells out almost instantly and with the same team behind the Madeira Bike Race we fully expect the same!
Registration comes live Feb 1, and can be linked directly from the Madeira Bike Race website.