RECONCO Gerês Granfondo

Fueling strategy for 5 to 6 hours of granfondo

On the bike, gut tolerance is higher than on foot. Target: 80 to 100 g/h of carbs sustained over 5 to 6h. Two bottles with Maurten Drink Mix 320 (80 g per bottle) + a gel every 30 to 40 min + 1 solid bar (Clif Bar, SiS) on the flats. Sodium 700 to 1000 mg/h, because June in Vila do Gerês can heat up on the valley floor. Caffeine 200 mg pre-start + 100 mg at km 80 to 90 ahead of the last big climb.

Breakfast 3h out (06:00 for the 09:00 start): 1.5 to 2 g/kg of carbs (porridge + banana + honey + egg). 30 min before: 30 to 40 g of fast carbs (Maurten Drink Mix 320 or banana + gel). The Maurten hydrogel is ideal for the long climbs (Portela do Homem, Misarela) because it absorbs quickly without GI distress at high intensity. For pre-race carb loading, 8 to 10 g/kg/day across the 2 days before is standard.

Course: Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portela do Homem and Misarela

High-quality tarmac through Portugal's only National Park. The Granfondo 131 km tackles iconic climbs: Portela do Homem (Spanish border), Misarela, and the Gerês viewpoints. The Mediofondo 87 km and Minifondo 54 km share part of the route. Key landmarks: Vila do Gerês, the Centro Termal, Cávado river, Pedra Bela, Caldas do Gerês. Dense Atlantic vegetation, alpine granite and ridgeline scenery. The Granfondo is hilly: expect 2,000 to 2,500 m of cumulative gain (to be confirmed in the official regulations).

June weather in Gerês: Atlantic microclimate

June in Gerês runs 15 to 25C in the low country but can be cool at altitude (Portela do Homem at around 800 m). Moderate chance of rain (the Gerês microclimate can cloud over on the peaks while the valley is sunny). Humidity is high. For 5 to 6h under the June sun, sodium 700 to 1000 mg/h is critical. Heat on the valley floor is likely mid-race.

Kit: short-sleeve technical jersey + thermal arm warmers for the cold descents off Portela do Homem (12 to 15C downhill with wind chill). One bottle with sports drink + one bottle with plain water. Helmet mandatory. Big bidons (750 ml) cut down on stops on the climbs. Check IPMA conditions for Vila do Gerês in the 7 days out and adjust sodium.

Logistics: A3 to Braga, race office at the Centro Termal

Access: A3 motorway to IP9, then on to Vila do Gerês, around 1h30 from Porto. Race office at the Vila do Gerês Centro Termal: Saturday June 6 from 10:00 to 19:30, Sunday June 7 from 07:00 to 08:30. Bag drop available with post-race changing rooms and showers (Centro Termal, a perk unique to Gerês). Official mechanical support at several points along the course. A light buffet is included at the finish.

Aid stations and regulations: no e-bikes

Liquid and solid aid stations along the route (typically 4 to 5 on the 131 km). Light buffet included at the finish. E-bikes are not allowed (Art. 1 of the regulations). Categories: Elites + Masters A/B/C/D/E (men) and Masters A/B/C (women). Juniors aged 17 to 18: maximum on the Mediofondo; under 19 cannot ride the Granfondo. Ages 15 to 16: Minifondo only. FPC-licensed riders use their licence; non-licensed riders pay 4 euros extra for day insurance (90 euros excess).

Start pens and competitive racing

Start pen assigned by order of payment (register early = better pen). Pens open at 08:00, with the first 5 km neutralised. For competitive riders, pens 1 and 2 cover the lead pack on the climbs. For amateurs, pens 3 to 5 allow a comfortable pace. This is one of the most prestigious granfondos in Portugal thanks to the scenery and the logistics (the post-race Centro Termal is a unique selling point).