Messenger2nd Great Challenge of the Lakes of Sabor
Event summary
The 2nd Grande Desafio dos Lagos do Sabor is a mountain bike GPS-oriented race taking place on September 19 and 20, 2026, in Torre de Moncorvo, Portugal. The event consists of two timed stages: a 75 km stage with 2300 m elevation gain on Saturday and a 65 km stage with 1300 m elevation gain on Sunday, with an option to participate only in the second stage solo.
Open to both federated and non-federated athletes aged 19 and above, the race allows solo and duo participation, including e-bikes (solo only, without categories or prizes). It follows the principles of the Portuguese Cycling Federation and offers leader jerseys by category for solo and duo participants.
The race features challenging rural and trail routes with public road sections, requiring compliance with traffic rules and mandatory use of a certified cycling helmet. The event provides solid and liquid aid stations, medical assistance, bike washing zones, and meals after each stage, creating a comprehensive mountain biking challenge.
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Plan itInformation
Age categories/divisions:
• Elites Masculinos (19 to 29 years)
• Master 30 Masculinos (30 to 39 years)
• Master 40 Masculinos (40 to 49 years)
• Master 50 Masculinos (50 to 59 years)
• Master 60 Masculinos (60+ years)
• Elites Femininas (19 to 39 years)
• Master Femininas (40+ years)
• Duplas Elites Masculinas (19 to 39 years)
• Duplas Master Masculinas (40+ years)
• Duplas Mistas
Start/finish locations: Junto Sede Clube, Torre de Moncorvo (41.174014, -7.05936)
Start times per category/distance:
• Day 1 (Saturday, 19/09/2026): 08:30 – Stage 1 (75 km)
• Day 2 (Sunday, 20/09/2026): 08:30 – Stage 2 (65 km)
Bib pick-up time and location:
• Friday, 18/09/2026: 20:00–22:00
• Saturday, 19/09/2026: from 07:00
• Sunday, 20/09/2026: from 07:00
• Location: Sede Clube, Torre de Moncorvo
Participants limit: 200 athletes
Registration deadline: 23:59 on 14/09/2026
Surface types: Rural paths, trails, and public roads open to traffic
Course format: Two-stage timed race with individual and duo participation; GPS navigation mandatory
Race routes:
• Stage 1: ~75 km with ~2300 m elevation gain
• Stage 2: ~65 km with ~1300 m elevation gain
Timing method: Electronic chip timing with mandatory chip use and frontal plate
Toilets and aid station placement: At least two aid stations per stage with solid food and drinks; access only with wristband
Prizes: Jerseys for leaders by category after Stage 1; trophies and leader jerseys for top 3 in all categories after Stage 2; no prizes for e-bikes
Location
get directionsRaces
Stage 2 65 km Solo E-bikes
Stage 1 + Stage 2 75 km + 65 km Solo E-bikes
Stage 2 75 km + 65 km Solo
Stage 1 + Stage 2 75 km + 65 km Mix Doubles
Stage 1 + Stage 2 75 km + 65 km Men Doubles
Stage 1 + Stage 2 75 km + 65 km Solo
Optional Extras
Benefits
🎽 Athlete kit: participation kit including frontal plate and chip
🏅 Finisher prize: Finisher medal for participants registered for both days
⏱️ Timing + live results by category via electronic chip timing
🛟 Safety support: medical assistance with mobile teams and ambulances
🛡️ Insurance: personal accident insurance for non-federated participants included
🥤 Aid stations: solid food and drinks at two points per stage
🚿 Bike washing zone available
🧳 Accommodation: option to sleep 1 or 2 nights in pavilion (bring mattress and sleeping bag)
🥗 Meals: lunch provided after each stage
