MADRID TO SEGÓVIA
Begin your adventure in the heart of Madrid at Plaza del Sol, next to the iconic Km 0 marker where all roads of Spain begin. Your journey unfolds through charming pedestrian streets and picturesque parks, including the famous Parque del Retiro. As you head north, you’ll skirt the verdant Anillo Verde, but the real challenge begins just a few kilometers in. The road climbs sharply into the majestic Guadarrama Mountains. Conquering these rolling hills will be the exhilarating highlight of your day, setting the stage for a triumphant arrival at your next accommodation.
Technical Data
Distance and terrain:
142 km
Elevation Gain
2.300m
Elevation Loss
2.000m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
13,1%
Min Descent Grade
10,2%
Segóvia to Ávila
Today’s goal is Ávila. Covering around 80 kilometers of captivating terrain, this stage introduces you to the beautiful Guadarrama Mountains, where gentle climbs and smooth descents make the route both scenic and manageable. Starting in Segovia, with its stunning Roman aqueduct, you’ll soon find yourself on a picturesque path through rolling hills and lush forests. The gradients are kind, offering a pleasant challenge without overwhelming your legs. The stage concludes with a smooth descent towards Ávila, where the city’s impressive medieval walls come into view. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ávila stands as one of the most fascinating stops on our route, making it a true highlight of the Bike Madrid Lisbon road adventure.
Technical Data
Distance
83 km
Elevation Gain
1.200m
Elevation Loss
1.100m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
10,4%
Min Ascent Grade
13,4%
ÁVILA TO BARCO D’ÁVILA
Leaving Ávila along the ancient city walls, we embark on another exhilarating day of cycling on high mountain roads. The breathtaking views along the Tormes River, with its Roman bridges, and the charming villages of the Zapatero massif will make the grueling 100 km ride seem almost effortless. This challenging stage offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Later in the day, the route will take us to the historic town of Barco d’Ávila. The ride is both challenging and rewarding, culminating in a town steeped in history and cultural depth.
Technical Data
Distance
124 km
Elevation Gain
2.000m
Elevation Loss
2.100m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
15,8%
Min Ascent Grade
16,8%
BARCO D’ÁVILA TO ALBERCA
The fourth stage of our adventure begins with a daunting climb over the Béjar Pass at 1,600 meters, promising a day of intense climbs and remote roads. You’ll pedal through tranquil oak forests and the charming village of Candelário. After crossing the valley into the Hurdes region, prepare for a grueling climb of over an hour. This climb will take us to Alberca and the stunning Sierra de Francia Natural Park. The day is both challenging and exhilarating, combining the thrill of rugged terrain with the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural landscape.
Technical Data
Distance
115 km
Elevation Gain
2.300m
Elevation Loss
2.300m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
11,6%
Min Ascent Grade
11,6%
Alberca to Sabugal
This stage, one of the longest, marks the halfway point of our epic challenge. We continue the relentless climb of the previous day, climbing over 800 meters to conquer the legendary Peña de Francia at 1,750 meters. After this formidable climb, we’ll traverse deserted roads in one of the most remote regions of the peninsula. The anticipation builds as we cross into Portugal and quickly arrive in the town of Sabugal. This stage combines intense effort with the thrill of entering a new country, making it both a challenging and exhilarating experience.
Technical Data
Distance
146 km
Elevation Gain
2.500m
Elevation Loss
2.800m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
9,1%
Min Ascent Grade
10,0%
Sabugal to Piódão
Prepare for a breathtaking day as we immerse ourselves in some of Portugal’s most stunning historic villages. The highlight of our journey is reaching Torre in the Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest point at 2,000 meters. After this triumph, we’ll be treated to the longest descent of the entire trip, offering an exhilarating rush. But the adventure doesn’t end there – prepare for a challenging climb to Piodão. Nestled in a beautiful valley with houses clinging to the hillside, Piodão is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal. This stage combines awe-inspiring views with challenging terrain, making it a true test of stamina and spirit.
Technical Data
Distance
123 km
Elevation Gain
2.900m
Elevation Loss
2.900m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
13,0%
Min Ascent Grade
14,3%
PIÓDÃO TO PENELA
This stage takes us through the dramatic central shale mountain system of Portugal, where we navigate rounded ridges rising up to 1,000 meters. Prepare for a day of breathtaking scenery and long stretches through sprawling windmill farms. As we progress, the landscape changes dramatically to a hilly region characterized by karst terrain, olive groves, and holm oaks. This rugged, limestone-dominated environment sets the stage for the challenging sections ahead. The change in scenery reveals Portugal’s diverse and captivating natural beauty, making this stage both a visual and physical test.
Technical Data
Distance
97 km
Elevation Gain
1.400m
Elevation Loss
2.000m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
11,6%
Min Ascent Grade
15,0%
PENELA TO ÓBIDOS
Leaving the charming town of Penela and its majestic castle, we quickly leave the limestone hills. As we descend the last ridge, the Atlantic Ocean comes into view, creating excitement for the journey ahead. We’ll head south along the coast, exploring charming seaside villages such as São Pedro de Moel, Nazaré – famous for its colossal waves – and Foz do Arelho. The day’s adventure culminates in the picturesque medieval village of Óbidos, providing a stunning and serene end to this scenic stage. This leg of the journey combines the thrill of the coast with the charm of historic treasures.
Technical Data
Distance
157 km
Elevation Gain
2.000m
Elevation Loss
2.100m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
13,1%
Min Ascent Grade
15,9%
Óbidos to Cabo Roca
The last stage begins at the serene lake of Óbidos and takes us back to the coast. For those who have spent days conquering the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, this day offers a refreshing change. Enjoy the quiet coastal roads, dramatic cliffs and charming fishing villages that make this leg of the journey unique. The anticipation builds as we approach our final destination – Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. This epic finale is both a triumphant end and a breathtaking reward for the challenge you’ve embraced.
Technical Data
Distance
121 km
Elevation Gain
1.600m
Elevation Loss
1.500m
Surfaces
100% Paved
Max Ascent Grade
11,6%
Min Ascent Grade
13,3%