Granfondo Médio Tejo by Mr. Print and Specialized
Sunday, May 24, 2026, starting at 09:00 · Ferreira do Zêzere
TL;DR. The Granfondo Médio Tejo 2026 is the 11th edition, racing on May 24 from Ferreira do Zêzere (near Tomar). Three distances: Granfondo 140 km (2,280 m climbing), Mediofondo 104 km, Minifondo 76 km. The route takes in riverside villages (Dornes) and passes close to the Castle of Tomar (UNESCO). Rolling profile with short climbs.
Fueling strategy for 140 km in the Médio Tejo region
Pre-race meal 3h out: 2 g/kg carbs. 15 min before: 25 g gel plus 500 ml with 700 mg sodium. During 5 to 6h: 80 to 90 g/h via isotonic bottle (60 g/h) plus 25 g gel every 45 min. Solid bar at km 50 and km 100. Sodium 800 to 1,000 mg/h.
May weather unpredictable. Typical year (22 to 24C): 600 to 750 mg/h sodium. May 2024 was 8th hottest in 93 years (IPMA), can hit 28 to 30C. Check IPMA forecast in final week. For hot weather: pre-load sodium, salt-stick capsules, 2 large bottles (750 ml). Post-race: 1.2 g/kg carbs plus 25 g protein in 30 min.
The course: Dornes, UNESCO Tomar and Pinhal Interior
Sealed roads with few sections of technical cobblestone. Route passes Olalhas, Serra, Tomar, Casais, Alviobeira, Pias, Dornes, Chão das Macieiras, Sertã, Marmeleiro, Vila de Rei, Fernandaires and Zaboeira. Highlights: riverside village of Dornes and Castle of Tomar and Convento de Cristo (UNESCO). Rolling profile with sustained climbs. Kicker up to Sertã is decisive point of day.
Logistics: A1 + A23 from Lisbon, accommodation in Tomar
Ferreira do Zêzere 1h45 from Lisbon via A1 and A23. Accommodation in Tomar (10 km away) most convenient. KIDS/CAM event same weekend for children and family riders. Age categories TBC for 2026: e-bikes may have separate category. Open to licence holders and non-licence riders.
Granfondo Médio Tejo vs Gerês: which to pick
Granfondo Médio Tejo in May (milder weather), rolling profile, 2,280 m climbing. Gerês Granfondo in June with longer climbs inside national park. Médio Tejo serves historic landscape (Templars, Dornes); Gerês granite mountains and post-race thermal spa. Both similar (700 to 1,500 riders). For amateur PR, Médio Tejo in May more predictable.
Relevant guides for this race
Frequently asked questions about Granfondo Médio Tejo
Is there an e-bike category?
Yes, in previous editions separate e-bike category over shorter distance (TBC for 2026). E-bikes do not compete with conventional bikes.
Can I ride solo?
Yes. Granfondo open to non-licence riders. Free-pace cyclo-tourism, ride at your own pace. Known for strong amateur groups.
Are the roads closed to traffic?
No. Roads remain open to normal traffic with signage and stewarding at junctions. Stay right, follow signs, respect Highway Code.
Is there a KIDS race?
Yes. Granfondo Médio Tejo 2026 KIDS/CAM event runs same weekend for children and young riders. Ideal for families.
Which tyres for the cobbled sections?
28 to 30 mm tyres at moderate pressure (75 to 85 psi) absorb cobblestones better. For mostly clean tarmac, 25 to 28 mm at 90 to 100 psi faster. By distance: 140 km Granfondo rewards comfort (28 mm); Mediofondo/Minifondo can stick with 25 mm.