The Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages), in partnership with Cabreira Solutions, are promoting the 2nd edition of the MTB Trophy Aldeias do Xisto, a competition aimed at amateur cyclists, but with characteristics similar to those of a professional event. Scheduled for 28th, 29th and 30th October, the event challenges the skill of the Cyclin' Portugal - Aldeias do Xisto Centres at the MTB tracks of the Vila de Rei, Proença-a-Nova and Castelo Branco municipalities, showcasing the Aldeias do Xisto in the Tejo-Ocreza region: Água Formosa, Figueira, Sarzedas and Martim Branco. In total, participants pedal around 163km. Registration is now open and can be made here. You can plan your entire stay on the Bookinxisto booking platform, where you'll find all the tourist facilities available in the Aldeias do Xisto.

Vila de Rei will host the first stage of the competition on 28th October. Participants will discover and immerse themselves over 45km in an area with very rich historical heritage. On this day, we will not miss the chance to visit the municipality's most iconic feature: the landmark that signals Portugal's Geodesic Centre. Located in the Serra da Melriça, at an altitude of 600m, it offers a 360º view that, on clear days, reaches the Serra da Estrela, almost 100km away. The Aldeia do Xisto of Água Formosa is, of course, a must-see.

The second stage is in Proença-a-Nova, the nerve centre, on October 29th, which amounts to 60kms. Participants will explore the trails of the Cyclin' Portugal Centre at Fróia River Beach. The route goes through the Aldeia do Xisto of Figueira and places such as the Roman bridge over the Ribeira da Pracana, the Philippine bridge of Malhadal or the watchtower designed by Siza Vieira, at the top of Serra das Talhadas, also with a 360º view over Proença-a-Nova and the neighbouring municipalities. Here, athletes and their companions can also visit the Centro Ciência Viva da Floresta (Live Forest Science Centre), or the Portas do Almourão, where rare species of fauna and flora can be seen.

On 30th October, the third leg of the competition begins and ends in Castelo Branco. In this stage, the winners and finishers are revealed, and the athletes are challenged to a course that takes place between the urban and rural landscapes of the municipality, passing through the Aldeias do Xisto of Sarzedas and Martim Branco, thus following the trails of the Sarzedas Cyclin' Portugal Centre. The Archaeological Station of Monte de São Martinho, the São João Transept, the 16th century portals in old town, the castle, the city wall and the Paço Garden are just some of the elements worth seeing.

New approach to cycling

More than a competition, the MTB Trophy Aldeias do Xisto is a new approach to cycling events and is tailored to the specific conditions of this destination. The accommodations are equipped with infrastructure and facilities specific to cycling, offering similar features to those at professional events. At the same time, it is an initiative that promotes closeness and encourages the sharing of experiences among participants.

The MTB Trophy Aldeias do Xisto is also a sustainable and environmentally- friendly event, promoting the cleaning of the trails before and after the stages, and making participants aware of the need to properly discard waste produced during the course.

Cyclin’Portugal Project

The Aldeias do Xisto joined the Cyclin' Portugal project from the outset, which affirms this region as a prime destination cycling, whether professional or amateur. The initiative is the result of a protocol between the Aldeias do Xisto, the Portuguese Cycling Federation and Turismo Centro de Portugal, and is supported by the Secretary of State for Tourism. Seeking to gather more and better conditions to accommodate outdoor sports lovers, the Aldeias do Xisto have been investing in and supporting the creation of infrastructures, having been pioneers in launching concepts such as the Cyclin' Portugal Centres and the Bikotel. Within the scope of this project, the Aldeias do Xisto have already hosted national and international events, such as the Aldeias do Xisto Classic, the European and National Downhill championships and the European and Portuguese Cups of the same sport, to which is now added the Aldeias do Xisto MTB Trophy.