Alentejo Gravel

Date
Sunday 09.11.2025
Distances
87 - 119 km
City
Ourique
Country
Portugal
Website Contact

Alentejo Gravel is a new event on the UCI Gravel World Series calendar organized by Cabreira Solutions, the team behind the succesful Granfondo Coimbra Region which is part of the UCI Gran Fondo World Series since many years.

Course

Starting from the cosy town of Ourique, there are two distances on offer.

  • A 119km course with 2100m of elevation will count as qualifier for the younger categories
  • A shorter 87km variant counts as qualifier for the men over 60 and women over 50.  Total elevation is 1500m

 

Full course details will be communicated later.

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ALENTEJO

Portugal’s Authentic Heart

Alentejo, meaning “beyond the Tagus,” is Portugal’s largest and most traditional region, known for its golden plains, cork oak forests, and a slower pace of life. It’s a land of ancient history, delicious food, and welcoming people, offering a genuine escape from the crowds.

What to Do in Alentejo:

  • Explore Historic Gems:

    • Évora (UNESCO World Heritage): Discover Roman temples, the Chapel of Bones, and a medieval cathedral in this captivating city.
    • Monsaraz: A stunning hilltop village with whitewashed houses and incredible views over the Alqueva Lake.
    • Elvas (UNESCO World Heritage): Marvel at its impressive star-shaped fortifications.
    • Marvão: A remote medieval village perched on a peak, offering breathtaking vistas.

  • Savor Wine and Food:

    • Wine Tasting: The Alentejo is famous for its robust red wines. Visit a herdade (country estate) or winery for tours and tastings.
    • Local Cuisine: Indulge in hearty dishes like black Iberian pork, Açorda Alentejana (garlic and bread soup), and delicious local cheeses. Don’t miss the traditional Alentejo bread.

  • Discover Ancient Wonders:

    • Almendres Cromlech: Explore this mysterious megalithic complex near Évora, older than Stonehenge.

OURIQUE

Ourique is a quiet municipality steeped in history. Though seemingly unassuming, it holds a significant place in Portuguese identity as the traditional site of the pivotal Battle of Ourique in 1139, where Afonso Henriques’ forces famously defeated a Muslim army, paving the way for Portugal’s independence.

While the exact battle location remains debated, Ourique today offers a tranquil escape. Visitors can explore the Viewpoint of Ourique old castle, where remnants of the strategic fortress offer panoramic views of the surrounding Alentejo landscape. The town itself has charming, low-rise houses and a relaxed atmosphere.

For those seeking outdoor activity, Ourique is becoming a hub for mountain biking, with the Cyclin’Portugal Center of Ourique offering numerous marked trails of varying difficulty. It’s a fantastic way to explore the region’s gentle hills and vast countryside.

Ourique may not be a major tourist hotspot, but it provides a genuine taste of rural Alentejo life, rich in historical resonance and perfect for a peaceful retreat or an active cycling adventure.