Algarve Cycling Training Camp
Portugal Cycling Training Camps
Challenging Road Cycling in Portugal
With its excellent weather conditions and a network of varied, amazing quiet roads, the Algarve in Portugal is the ideal destination for cycling training and quality rides especially during the winter / spring months. With a menu of endurance rides and climbing routes available during your Algarve cycling week in the sun. Join this experienced cycling team with 20 years international cycling coaching and racing experience for the very best selection of challenging and epic rides on the fantastic roads of Southern Portugal.
Algarve Cycling Training Camps
Start the day with the sun rising ready for a great day in the saddle. Fully charged heading out at a comfortable pace, warming up the muscles on our chosen ride option for the day. Effective training is best accomplished with a gradual increase in effort and nothing could be better when we hit the quiet country roads of the Algarve, small undulations and twisting roads are everywhere. Once in a rhythm the kilometers/miles flow by with ease as we pass Portuguese villages that havenât changed in many years. Time to take on a small climb and stimulate those muscle fibers, early season style, small chain ring comfortable high cadence if you wish or big chain ring strength intervals if youâre looking to improve that all important muscle strength!
Looking for a coffee-break or keep it constant, fat-burning metabolism at its best, three, four or five hours every day tailored for that all important scientific progressive overload effect. Great training rides also deserve time to recover and chill Portugal style, as we return to your hotel to relax and get ready for another perfect Algarve cycling training ride tomorrow.
Experience Portugal with a challenging cycling week
With quality riding on the sunny roads of the Algarve keep your legs turning through the cold wet months of home and avoid that unwanted cold or flu! Maintain your cycling condition and top up the aerobic fitness for a great year of cycling ahead. The natural setting of the Algarve offers a great variety of climbs and amazing network of cycling roads, perfect for an epic week of climbing and challenging week of endurance rides or should you prefer the balance with a combination of ideal rides each day.
Algarve cycling training camps can be tailored to your current experience and ability or cycling goals, get ready to experience unique ride routes all in one terrific training week with the PB Tours cycling professionals in the Algarve Southern Portugal.
Looking for more comfortable bike rides?
If itâs more of a leisurely cycling holiday and natural Algarve restaurant lunch stops that you are looking for, take a look at the Portugal Bike Trip.
Tour Type 
Challenging Bike Tour
Fully Guided
Experienced Cycling Guides
Cycling Level
Challenging –Â 75km/46mi – 110km/68mi
Packages
Quality Tour:
4* Hotel accommodation AUD $1465 pp
3* Hotel accommodation AUD $1362 pp
Rides Only:
Without accommodation AUD $1000 pp
Custom Tour
Contact Us:
Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.
Centre Based Cycling
Portimao, Portugal
Season
September – June
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Small Group Sizes
2 to 8 people
Optional Extras
Single room â AUD $279
Half board â AUD $258
Bike hire â AUD $450
Airport transfer â AUD $300
Algarve Centre Based Cycling
The Perfect Cycling Base for your road cycling training camps
The PB Tours team have been turning the pedals on the roads of Portugal since 2011 with an amazing choice of ride routes ideal for you in the sunny Algarve.
Riding in all directions you are in the hub of this secret European cycling destination. Great bike rides require the perfect environment with a variety of terrain, challenges and directions. If you are anything like Practice Bicycle who can’t get enough of cycling, its the constant changing views, landscapes that keeps us asking for more!
It could be the Cape St. Vincent coastline and the tip of Europe. The Serra de Monchique mountain range and the challenge of Foia (902m / 3000ft) the highest point of the Algarve or one of the many smaller challenges around this forest mountain range. The undulating hinterland with a net work of quiet traffic free roads.
The choice is endless with road cycling in the Algarve, Portugal.
My week with you inspired me to get me prepared for the New England Road Race championship, the New England Time Trial championship, and the Green Mountain Stage Race. I won the 50-59 Road Race title, as well as the 50-54 TT. I finished 3rd on GC at GMSR in the 50+ field, with a 4th place in the TT stage, and 3rd in the RR. It was a great second half of the season.
There's no doubt in my mind that my week in the Algarve with Practice Bicycle was a significant factor in my success. I'd love to come back and ride with you again!
There's no doubt in my mind that my week in the Algarve with Practice Bicycle was a significant factor in my success. I'd love to come back and ride with you again!
A. Potter â USA
Dates & Price
Join the Algarve Cycling Training Camps, click the “Book Now” button next to the tour date, have a question click the “Enquire” button.
Mid Season
2023
Low Season
2023
Looking for specific dates?
If you want to travel on different dates, don’t hesitate to contact us about arranging a custom Algarve Cycling Training Camp!
Algarve Road Cycling Endurance Itinerary
Total Distance 490km/300mi, Total Elevation 4700m/15000ft
Choice of Endurance routes distance 450km / 280mi, quality week of cycling .
Arrival Day Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Montes de Cima
Arrival Time: Midday
Comfortable Ride Route:
Distance 40km/25mi
Ascent 280m/900ft
Enjoy a spin on the traffic free roads of the Algarve and unwind from your travels the perfect welcome ride to cycling training in the Algarve. These fantastic roads are now your Portugal cycling menu, Montes de Cima sits at the foot of one of the roads onto the Monchique mountain. Today it is the perfect coffee shop ride into the natural arena that is the Algarve.
Comfortable Ride Route:
Distance 40km/25mi
Ascent 280m/900ft
Enjoy a spin on the traffic free roads of the Algarve and unwind from your travels the perfect welcome ride to cycling training in the Algarve. These fantastic roads are now your Portugal cycling menu, Montes de Cima sits at the foot of one of the roads onto the Monchique mountain. Today it is the perfect coffee shop ride into the natural arena that is the Algarve.
* training rides based on an endurance training week, options for additional time, climbs or recovery rides as required!
Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Espinhaco da Cao
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 100km / 62mi
Ascent 850m / 2800ft
Most of the Endurance Itinerary rides have been specifically designed to keep the elevation each day to a moderate level under 1000m / 3300ft.
Todays quality undulating roads introduce the amazing network of great cycling roads that are available during the week. Passing by the reservoir we wake up the legs on a selection of short sharp efforts before heading to the wind turbines way in the distance.
Distance 100km / 62mi
Ascent 850m / 2800ft
Most of the Endurance Itinerary rides have been specifically designed to keep the elevation each day to a moderate level under 1000m / 3300ft.
Todays quality undulating roads introduce the amazing network of great cycling roads that are available during the week. Passing by the reservoir we wake up the legs on a selection of short sharp efforts before heading to the wind turbines way in the distance.
Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Marmelete
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 80km / 50mi
Ascent 1050m / 3400ft
The most challenging ride of this itinerary with the constant slopes of the Monchique mountain for a spectacular start to a great day of riding into the Serra Monchique.
Itâs one of the cycling routes heading North from Portimao and shows the variety of amazing cycling terrain on offer all from the one cycling centre in the Algarve. This ride offers challenging climbs with constant grades made for training with the perfect recovery period of winding roads among the tree plantations as we pass along the panoramic edge of the mountain before returning back to the coast.
Distance 80km / 50mi
Ascent 1050m / 3400ft
The most challenging ride of this itinerary with the constant slopes of the Monchique mountain for a spectacular start to a great day of riding into the Serra Monchique.
Itâs one of the cycling routes heading North from Portimao and shows the variety of amazing cycling terrain on offer all from the one cycling centre in the Algarve. This ride offers challenging climbs with constant grades made for training with the perfect recovery period of winding roads among the tree plantations as we pass along the panoramic edge of the mountain before returning back to the coast.
Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Raposeira
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 90km / 56mi
Ascent 900m / 3000ft
Heading West with a selection of great undulating roads into the countryside of the amazing Algarve. With both the interior and coastal roads today makes for a great endurance ride and time in the saddle. Once we hit the coastline the roads become technical, bike skills are tested with the twists and climbs of the windy coastline. The beach coves in this natural landscape make for a spectacular backdrop and ideal for a cafe stop.
Distance 90km / 56mi
Ascent 900m / 3000ft
Heading West with a selection of great undulating roads into the countryside of the amazing Algarve. With both the interior and coastal roads today makes for a great endurance ride and time in the saddle. Once we hit the coastline the roads become technical, bike skills are tested with the twists and climbs of the windy coastline. The beach coves in this natural landscape make for a spectacular backdrop and ideal for a cafe stop.
Algarve Cycling Training Camp â Alte
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 95km / 59mi
Ascent 875m / 2900ft
The roller coaster landscape of the Eastern Algarve hinterland is our goal for the day as we pass by the Arade reservoir and into the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao.
This will be the second of the weeks Epic ride routes unlike the Serra Monchique route with its 2 specific climbs, todays route is demanding as we are on day 5 of progressive cycling overload.
Take a breather at the cyclistsâ cafe in the village of Alte before we push on back through the orange farms and keep the legs turning back to the cool breeze of the Atlantic coast.
Distance 95km / 59mi
Ascent 875m / 2900ft
The roller coaster landscape of the Eastern Algarve hinterland is our goal for the day as we pass by the Arade reservoir and into the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao.
This will be the second of the weeks Epic ride routes unlike the Serra Monchique route with its 2 specific climbs, todays route is demanding as we are on day 5 of progressive cycling overload.
Take a breather at the cyclistsâ cafe in the village of Alte before we push on back through the orange farms and keep the legs turning back to the cool breeze of the Atlantic coast.
Algarve Cycling Training Camp â Chilrao
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 75km / 46mi
Ascent 860m 2800ft
Finish your Algarve cycling week in style with the twisting roads along the shelf of the Serra Monchique mountain range and its amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Take one final challenge to use those remaining muscle fibers with the climb of Casais and keep the pedals turning around the mountain as its all downhill back to Portimao.
Distance 75km / 46mi
Ascent 860m 2800ft
Finish your Algarve cycling week in style with the twisting roads along the shelf of the Serra Monchique mountain range and its amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Take one final challenge to use those remaining muscle fibers with the climb of Casais and keep the pedals turning around the mountain as its all downhill back to Portimao.
Departure Day from the Algarve Cycling Training Camp
Departure Time: 10:00am
Itâs time for the Recovery to begin with the end of your Algarve Training Camp.
Practice bicycle wish you good cycling form until we PRACTICE BICYCLE together again
Itâs time for the Recovery to begin with the end of your Algarve Training Camp.
Practice bicycle wish you good cycling form until we PRACTICE BICYCLE together again
* Proposed Endurance Itinerary Week Total Distance 490km / 300mi with Total Elevation 4700m /15000ft
Algarve Road Cycling Climbing Itinerary
Total Distance 575km/360mi, Total Elevation 7490m/24500ft
Choice of climbing routes of 95km/60mi – 115km/72mi ideal for the experienced cyclists with a selection of testing cycling climbs.
Arrival Day Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Armacao de Pera
Arrival Time: Midday
Comfortable Ride Route
Distance 50km/31mi
Ascent 350m/1100ft
Enjoy the spectacular coast and unwind from your travels with your introduction to the roads of the Algarve, Portugal. Get a feel for what is instore with your cycling week with a taste of the rugged coast and the unique interior with this comfortable ride route the perfect welcome ride to cycling training in the sunny Algarve.
Comfortable Ride Route
Distance 50km/31mi
Ascent 350m/1100ft
Enjoy the spectacular coast and unwind from your travels with your introduction to the roads of the Algarve, Portugal. Get a feel for what is instore with your cycling week with a taste of the rugged coast and the unique interior with this comfortable ride route the perfect welcome ride to cycling training in the sunny Algarve.
*Itinerary comprises a selection of epic climbing ride routes, our extensive knowledge of the Algarve roads allows for flexibility as required!
Algarve Cycling Training Camp â Odelouca
Epic Ride Route
Distance 95km / 60mi
Ascent 1500m / 4900ft
Picota (565m) Cat2 – 6km @ 6.5%
Alto da Foia (903m) Cat1 – 7.3km @ 6%
Start the week in style with fresh legs and the climb to the summit of the Algarve with Alto da Foia (903m), there are several routes to the summit and the PB cycling experience specialises in making your rides the very best. Why do one climb if you can do two, warm up your legs on the steppingstones of Picota (565m).
Distance 95km / 60mi
Ascent 1500m / 4900ft
Picota (565m) Cat2 – 6km @ 6.5%
Alto da Foia (903m) Cat1 – 7.3km @ 6%
Start the week in style with fresh legs and the climb to the summit of the Algarve with Alto da Foia (903m), there are several routes to the summit and the PB cycling experience specialises in making your rides the very best. Why do one climb if you can do two, warm up your legs on the steppingstones of Picota (565m).
Algarve Cycling Training Camp â Selao
Epic Ride Route
Distance 100km / 62mi
Ascent 1440m / 4700ft
Romeiras (350m) cat3 – 4.5km @ 5%
Selao (485m) cat2 – 5.9km @ 5%
Heading in a variety of directions with your PB training rides turns a good training week into an unbelievable cycling experience. Take on a couple of climbs today with these testing and twisting roads on both sides of the Algarveâs perfect climbing range the Serra Monchique Mountain. The natural landscape with its amazing views makes this your ideal cycling climbing destination and keeps you wanting more!
Distance 100km / 62mi
Ascent 1440m / 4700ft
Romeiras (350m) cat3 – 4.5km @ 5%
Selao (485m) cat2 – 5.9km @ 5%
Heading in a variety of directions with your PB training rides turns a good training week into an unbelievable cycling experience. Take on a couple of climbs today with these testing and twisting roads on both sides of the Algarveâs perfect climbing range the Serra Monchique Mountain. The natural landscape with its amazing views makes this your ideal cycling climbing destination and keeps you wanting more!
Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Vale Fuzeiros
Epic Ride Route
Distance 115km / 72mi
Ascent 1250m / 4100ft
Alte (350m) cat3 – 2km @ 5.5%
Picota (320m) cat 3 – 4.5km @ 4.5%
The longest ride distance (115km) gives our legs time to adapt with this undulating route on roads used each year during the Volta ao Algarve professional bike race. With reservoirs and orange plantations the backdrop of todays route and with two small climbs to keep the challenge coming with your Algarve road cycling climbing week.
Distance 115km / 72mi
Ascent 1250m / 4100ft
Alte (350m) cat3 – 2km @ 5.5%
Picota (320m) cat 3 – 4.5km @ 4.5%
The longest ride distance (115km) gives our legs time to adapt with this undulating route on roads used each year during the Volta ao Algarve professional bike race. With reservoirs and orange plantations the backdrop of todays route and with two small climbs to keep the challenge coming with your Algarve road cycling climbing week.
Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Alto do Foia
Epic Ride Route
Distance 110km / 68mi
Ascent 1400m / 4600ft
Enxameador (458m) cat2 – 4km @ 7%
Foia (903m) cat1 – 9km @ 6%
We targeted the summit climb of the Algarve earlier in the cycling training week, today you get another opportunity to challenge your cycling limits on this longest and highest climb the Alto do Foia (903m) from a different direction. Possibly a more difficult climb from the other side of the Serra Monchique your very own long duration climbs just like the French Alps in the sunny Algarve. But first you must climb Enxameador (458m)!
Distance 110km / 68mi
Ascent 1400m / 4600ft
Enxameador (458m) cat2 – 4km @ 7%
Foia (903m) cat1 – 9km @ 6%
We targeted the summit climb of the Algarve earlier in the cycling training week, today you get another opportunity to challenge your cycling limits on this longest and highest climb the Alto do Foia (903m) from a different direction. Possibly a more difficult climb from the other side of the Serra Monchique your very own long duration climbs just like the French Alps in the sunny Algarve. But first you must climb Enxameador (458m)!
Algarve Cycling Training Camp - Nave Redonda
Epic Ride Route
Distance 105km / 65mi
Ascent 1550m / 5100ft
Monchique (410m) cat3 – 7.5km @ 4%
Alferce (344m) cat3 – 13.8km @ 4%
This network of quiet and testing cycling roads is only limited by your own cycling ability. Take one final challenge of the roller coaster landscape into the Algarve hinterland, behind the mountains and among the reservoirs and the wilderness of amazing roads, perfect for your own Algarve climbing week with the PB team. Endless climbing with perfect recovery it just keeps coming!
Distance 105km / 65mi
Ascent 1550m / 5100ft
Monchique (410m) cat3 – 7.5km @ 4%
Alferce (344m) cat3 – 13.8km @ 4%
This network of quiet and testing cycling roads is only limited by your own cycling ability. Take one final challenge of the roller coaster landscape into the Algarve hinterland, behind the mountains and among the reservoirs and the wilderness of amazing roads, perfect for your own Algarve climbing week with the PB team. Endless climbing with perfect recovery it just keeps coming!
Departure Day from the Algarve, Portugal
Departure Time: 10:00am
With the legs tested and tired itâs now time to relax with the end of your Algarve road cycling climbing week.
The PB Team wish you good cycling form for the rest of the year and look forward to the opportunity to Practice Bicycle together again soon.
With the legs tested and tired itâs now time to relax with the end of your Algarve road cycling climbing week.
The PB Team wish you good cycling form for the rest of the year and look forward to the opportunity to Practice Bicycle together again soon.
Algarve Road Cycling Climbing Itinerary:
Total Distance 575km / 360mi, Total Elevation 7490m / 24500ft
These proven itineraries are ideal for the avid cyclist looking for quality rides each day of 80 – 100km/62mi. You will be surprised by the variety of terrain and rides available to you in the sunny Algarve, Portugal.
Each cycling route during this European winter, spring period cycling vacation will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability, experience and goals. With a choice of Endurance itinerary, Climbing itinerary or the option of a Combination itinerary with a selection of both, in addition Recovery rides are always available to maximize your cycling week.
If you are preparing for an event with specific training or need a week of great riding in the sun. The Algarve is your perfect PB Tours cycling destination.
The destination for your Algarve cycling training camp is the town of Portimao / Praia da Rocha.
The closest airport is Faro Airport (Portugal) situated in the south of Portugal and serviced by many low cost European airlines including Ryanair, Easyjet and Jet2.com.
It is also possible to fly to Faro Airport (Portugal) via the following locations Lisbon (Portugal), Frankfurt (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), London Gatwick (UK), Oslo (Norway), Amsterdam (Holland), Geneva (Switzerland).
Shuttle transfer services operate between the airport and Portimao / Praia da Rocha.
For international guests arriving in Lisbon (Portugal) you have a choice of connecting flights to Faro Airport or alternatively public transport train or coach service to Portimao, in addition amazing value car rental companies are also available with all of these options allow for a 3hr travel time.
The Algarve Cycling Training Camps offers 4* Hotel Accommodation at Praia da Rocha, the ideal location to relax after your ride each day.
Depending on availability, we recommend the following for your stay, 4* Tivoli Marina Portimao Resort, 4* Jupiter Algarve Hotel and 4* Jupiter Marina Hotel. Should you prefer to stay in the heart of Portimao, we also offer the 3* Whe Hotel this quality, modern hotel amongst all amenities.
     
         
         
Absolutely! Look for our âRides Onlyâ package to get on this challenging cycling week without using our accommodation.
Arrange your own stay in the Algarve which has a comprehensive selection of apartment accommodation available and come to the rides just like you would back home!
Each day you will join the PB Team at a Portimao/Praia da Rocha meeting point. Meet your ride leader and experience a variety of ideal rides to maximize your cycling on the warm roads of Europe’s new cycling destination the Algarve, Portugal.
Whatâs included:
* 6 fully guided training rides tailored for how much you wish to ride!
* Variety of spectacular routes including the coastline, interior & mountains
* Highly experienced Algarve ride leader & professional cycling coach
* Ride support offering âon the goâ mechanical assistance
If you or your group are looking for a custom experience for your perfect Portugal cycling vacation Contact Practice Bicycle today!
The Training Camp is about great riding and being outdoors as much as possible, especially as many guests have come from very cold climates.
Guests who come with their training buddies, enjoy interaction post cycling.
For most it’s time to relax, rest and recover. Either by the pool or a drink and stroll on the beach, there are also plenty of great restaurants / bars, shops to choose from within walking distance of your hotel.
I guess with tired legs RELAXING is high on the agenda! If massage is something you enjoy, this can also be organized for you.
‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brainchild of Bridget (Owner/Operator). On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven PB philosophy of one location. Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.
Packing and Unpacking each day was tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the unique location before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride options exploring in every direction from the one hotel.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!
For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Algarve Cycling Training Camps.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution with the Austrian KTM carbon road bikes in latest models with Shimano 105 or Ultegra 11speed groupsets.
       
The Algarve cycling training camps do not include vehicle support/transfers with the package to maintain the greatest value and flexibility to all our cycling guests. Should you require a support vehicle for each days ride, then this can be arranged as an Optional Extra, please contact us for further information.
The PB team have over 10 yearsâ experience riding the great cycling roads of the sunny Algarve, this allows us to tailor each daily ride to the requirements of our guests. Not only do we plan the perfect week of cycling, we also have a unique skillset and unparalleled local knowledge of the roads which allows for the flexibility to alter or shorten ride routes should you wish.
If you prefer a more relaxed, luxury cycling holiday including vehicle support and restaurant lunches, take a look at our Luxury Portugal Bike Trip.
Algarve Cycling Training Camps quality tour includes:
Algarve Road Cycling Training Camp Highlights:
Similar challenging bike tours
Small group one location challenging cycling!
