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13 Aug 2024

19 Aug 2024

LISBON AND THE VUELTA START

13 Aug 2024

19 Aug 2024

LISBON AND THE VUELTA START

$8,950

Lead Guide:

Sérgio Paulinho

Book Now EXPRESS INTEREST

”As someone who has participated in seven Tours of Spain as a professional, I am proud to see the event on Portuguese roads. It is especially meaningful to me as some of the stages will pass through the same roads where I used to train during my professional career.
Sérgio Paulinho

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure as La Vuelta Ciclista a España, the most entertaining and unpredictable grand tour, is coming to Portugal in 2024! The first three stages of the race will be held in this beautiful country, starting from Lisbon after a long span of 27 years.

Each year, the organizers of La Vuelta leave no stone unturned to ensure that every stage offers something unforgettable, be it a challenging climb up a mountain or a ride through a historic arena. And this year’s race promises to be even more exciting as Portugal’s stunning coastal roads and picturesque landscapes will be the backdrop for the first few stages. Moreover, you’ll be in the company of inGamba’s team of soigneurs and mechanics – most of whom call Portugal their home. They’ll share their insider knowledge of the country. So gear up for an epic experience, ride along the route, and witness the pros in action in this incredible start to La Vuelta 2024!

As part of the VIP experience, we’ll get to watch the teams and be close to the cyclists during their presentation. We’ll also have a guided tour of the finish area, take photos at the finish line, and snap pictures on the La Vuelta podium. Additionally, we’ll follow one rider inside an official car.

But that’s not all! We’ll also have the incredible opportunity to ride the time trial starting from the official launch ramp and ride the first half of one of the stages. And to make our trip even more special, Sérgio Paulinho will be our guide. Sérgio is a two-time national champion in Portugal, a winner of stages at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and a silver medalist in the road race at the Athens Olympics 2004.

From the thrilling tactics on the track to the nail-biting finish, Sérgio will share all the behind stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat. And if you’re lucky enough, Sérgio might even spill the beans on the epic story of Alberto Contador’s victory in the 2012 race!

Included With Trip:

All lodging*†
All food and beverages**
Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
Daily Bike Wash
Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
†Flights are not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

MEET THE GUIDES

Sérgio Paulinho

The World Tour veteran

After an impressive pro career that started back in 2003, Sérgio Paulinho joined the inGamba team at the start of 2022 after his retirement. But we’ve known him for a long time, as not only did he race against our founder João Correia, but he was also a teammate of our star guide Manuel Cardoso back in the day. A two-time national champion in Portugal, Sérgio has also won stages at the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, and in 2004, he won a silver medal in the road race at the Athens Olympics. So it’s fair to say the man has pedigree! It isn’t the racing victories that impress us most about Sérgio though, it’s his personality, his friendly nature on and off the bike, and the fact that he’s always ready with a smile. That said, if you find yourself running out of gas on a big climb, it certainly helps to have someone like him beside you!

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Lisbon

FINISH LOCATION:

Lisbon

TOTAL ELEVATION:

6,072m

TOTAL DISTANCE:

379km

DAYS RIDING:

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Day 6. Cascais — Bombarral 98km

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Day 6. Cascais — Bombarral 1,493m

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DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

Turcifal Test Ride

31km & 509m

Bem-vindo a Portugal! This shake-out ride just North of Lisbon is the perfect introduction to riding in Portugal, as we will be rolling through small villages. There will be two short climbs in the middle of the ride, which should help shake out any cobwebs that may have built up during your flight. It is also the ideal time to adjust anything on the bike that isn’t quite right. So, if you need to make any changes, please let your mechanic know right away.

Montejunto

83km & 1,374m

This route is a great way to test both your bike-handling skills and your climbing legs as we ride through the lush rolling hills and juniper valleys of the Montejunto Mountains. This region is a nature lover’s paradise dotted with windmills and charming, peaceful villages to the west of central Portugal. It is also home to the exquisite Lisboa wine region.

Sobral de Monte Agraço

70km & 1,179m

We will continue to ride through the western part of the Lisbon region on this route. To start, we’ll be heading south and east, and we’ll encounter our first climb towards the Alqueidão fort. This fort is the highest point of the Lines of Torres, which is one of the most extensive lines of defense in Europe. The purpose of this line was to protect Lisbon against the invasion of Napoleon’s troops in the 19th century.

Torres — Cascais

86km & 1,403m

Today’s route will take us south to the beautiful Cascais beach town. We will pass through some spectacular towns and enjoy breathtaking scenery. On our way, we’ll see Mafra, where we will see one of Europe’s largest and most extravagant palaces known as the Palacio de Mafra. This palace was built by King João V in 1717 to celebrate the birth of his first child.

However, the highlight of our ride will be in the second half when we ride through the Natural Park of Sintra and climb to the Sanctuary of Peninha, which is the highest point of the ride, standing at an altitude of 448 meters on top of a rocky outcrop. From here, we will enjoy stunning views of the coastline and inland areas. Lastly, we will descend towards the Guincho beach town and ride along the breathtaking coast.

Vuelta Time Trial

8km & 114m

We are going to ride along the Vuelta a España Time Trial route and experience what it feels like to be a part of this thrilling Grand Tour. We will start on the launch ramp just like the pro-cyclists and race along the 8km route with a police motorcycle and a support car leading the way. Once we cross the finish line, we will have a chance to take a photo and celebrate our achievement. Then, we will head to the podium and take another photo, just like the real winners do! An organizer will guide us through the podium area, sharing exciting details about how everything works after the arrival. And that’s not all! We will also get to watch the end of the race and feel the energy and excitement of the crowd.

Cascais — Bombarral

98km & 1,493m

On our final day of riding, we will ride towards the north and return back to the western region of Lisbon, following the same route as the Vuelta a Espana. Like the pros, we will encounter two major climbs, one in the first half of the ride and the other in the second half. The remaining part of the ride will put our legs to the test with rolling hills covered with beautiful vineyards and orchards. This area enjoys a lot of sunlight and has a moderate climate due to the influence of the Atlantic, which creates a unique balance between the coastline and the interior.

DEPARTURE

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

PINARELLO DOGMA F

Seven of the last 11 Tours de France have been conquered on a DOGMA, and the latest generation is now ready to continue that legacy of success. Whatever the road throws at you, the DOGMA F is always the right bike.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello Dogma F

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

InGamba Red

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