Montesinho 101 MTB Marathon
Sunday, September 20, 2026, starting at 09:00 · Bragança
TL;DR. The Montesinho 101 MTB Marathon 2026 is the 8th edition, racing on September 20 from Bragança. Three distances: 101 km, 60 km and 30 km (tour). Route crosses Parque Natural de Montesinho and UNESCO Meseta Ibérica Biosphere Reserve. GPS navigation mandatory on 101 and 60 km. Long, technical granite climbs. Race relaunched to huge success in 2025 after 7-year hiatus.
Fueling strategy for a 101 km MTB with 3,000 m of climbing
Pre-race meal 3h out: 2.5 g/kg carbs. 15 min before: 25 g gel plus 500 ml with 600 mg sodium. During 5 to 7h: 80 to 90 g/h via isotonic bottle (60 g) plus gel every 45 min plus real-food bar every 60 min. Sodium 700 to 900 mg/h.
Climb up to Alto de Montesinho at km 60 is decisive point: eat something solid 20 min before. For 8+ hour MTB, train gut tolerance at 80 g/h on 4h trainer. Post-race: 1.2 g/kg carbs plus 30 g protein plus 1 L with 1,200 mg sodium. September Bragança can be colder than expected.
The course: Parque Natural de Montesinho and the Meseta Ibérica
Singletrack, rural lanes, forest roads inside Parque Natural de Montesinho and Serra da Nogueira. Crosses UNESCO Meseta Ibérica Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. Long technical granite climbs, singletrack descents through roots and rock. 101 km: estimated 2,500 to 3,000 m climbing. Navigation by GPS only. 30 km tour taped and signed.
Logistics: Bragança with enough accommodation
Bragança 4h30 from Lisbon via A1+A24 or 2h from Porto via A4. Accommodation sufficient. Packet pickup typically Saturday afternoon at Forte São João. Race relaunched after 7-year hiatus to huge success in 2025. Organisation: Município de Bragança and Associação Amigos do Campo Redondo.
What makes it unique
Debuted around 2010, paused 7 years, relaunched 2025 with huge success. The only MTB marathon that fully traverses Parque Natural de Montesinho and UNESCO Meseta Ibérica. Raw north-eastern Portuguese character: Iberian wolf (threatened species present in park), heather, granite, remote Trás-os-Montes villages. Bucket-list race for amateur Portuguese MTB riders.
Relevant guides for this race
Frequently asked questions about Montesinho 101 MTB
Do I need my own GPS unit?
Yes on 101 and 60 km. GPS navigation mandatory (GPX track provided). Garmin Edge, Wahoo Elemnt or similar. 30 km tour taped and signed (no GPS required).
Is there a time cut-off on the 101 km?
Historically around 8 hours. For 2026 confirm with Bikeservice. Tight cut-off for average amateur: conservative pace in first half, commit on technical descents.
Is the 30 km competitive?
No. 30 km is signed tour, ideal for family riders and newcomers. Free pace, no official timing.
Do I need a federation licence?
No for the 30 km tour. For 101 and 60 km, event insurance included in entry fee. FPC licence holders use annual licence; non-licence riders receive day insurance.
Is there a shuttle from Bragança to the start?
Start typically in centre of Bragança (TBC for 2026). No shuttle needed for athletes staying in Bragança.