A Postcard from the Azores
Gelato in Girona, coffee breaks on the beach, and an epic climb above a stunning white-washed village by the sea – these are just some of the unforgettable…
”The roads are succulent and bountiful, and the food and wine leave you breathless. The Pinarello bikes are to the highest standard of the purest gourmand. The personalities are rich and bold, yet full of subtle surprises. All is to be savored—and devoured.
Bill StricklandBicycling Magazine
27 Aug 2023
2 Sep 2023
Undiscovered Portugal with Alan Gould
As a pro, Manuel Cardoso raced with some of the biggest names in cycling. He beat a few of them too. But long before he reached the professional peloton, his cycling journey began on the roads outside of Porto, where he rode as a boy and dreamed of reaching the big time. He’s ridden all over the world, but still believes that there’s nothing quite like his hometown routes, and so he designed this trip to share them with you.
Of course, it’s not just Manuel who hails from these parts. Several of our support team also call this place home, and they’ll be on hand to introduce you to a land that they hold dear to their hearts, guiding you towards all the best bits so that you can properly soak up the local culture. This special randonnée is an opportunity to share their intimate knowledge and discover one of the world’s most charming and unique destinations. We will skirt along the coastline, explore Medieval towns, and ride through the oldest village in Portugal, all while putting in plenty of miles and riding some of the most beautiful roads in Europe, embracing the “Mangia, Beve, Bici,” philosophy with a Portuguese twist.
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Check out the video for a taste of what’s in store!
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
MANUEL CARDOSO
The Quiet Crusher
Manuel Cardoso is no longer sitting on the front of the pack, pulling everyone along at what some would describe as a “brisk” pace and what others are unable to describe at all, because they’re too busy gasping for breath and holding onto the wheel in front of them for dear life. Manuel is now sitting just slightly off the back of the pack. As I look back, I realize he has that look on his face. The look which struck fear in the hearts of the Pro Peleton for many years. The look which is part grin, part mischievous child and all business. He is about to start some shenanigans. Sure enough, just a few kilometers later and Manuel has picked one lucky contestant out of the pack and they are sitting-in, waiting, like predators, for the perfect moment. For Manuel, just like when he raced pro, this is when the road turns slightly up, a spot in the road where it gets tough for everyone. And he accelerates with his breakaway “partner” in tow. It is something to see. He ramps it up to a speed with which no one can latch onto the back and with such precision you have to question whether or not you actually want to try and close the gap he has created. And you can’t see it, but you just know, he is grinning from ear-to-ear.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
Porto
FINISH LOCATION:
Porto
TOTAL ELEVATION:
7,449m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
345km
DAYS RIDING:
6
GROUP SIZE:
8-14
LONGEST DAY:
Day 4. Ponte de Lima Loop. 80km
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 3. Caminha – Ponte de Lima. 1,624m
DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN
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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