The next edition of the Aldeias do Xisto Classic already has a date: 1 May 2019.
In 2018, the Cyclin' Portugal calendar included an event whichtook place in March and pitted 19 Portuguese and Spanish teams against each other, with about 130 cyclists visiting the Aldeias do Xisto and cycling 145 kilometres to the Aldeia das Dez in Oliveira do Hospital, competing in the Liberty Seguros Trophy.
The international calendar for next year was approved by the International Cycling Union (UCI) on 1 October in Austria, encompassing seven Portuguese road races and a total of 30 days of competition.
The international cycling season on Portuguese soil begins with the Algarve Tour, a class 2.HC race to be held between February 20 and 24. For March, two races are scheduled: the Arrábida Classic class 1.2 race on the 17th, and the Alentejo Tour 2.2 race, between the 20th and 24th.
The Beiras and Serra da Estrela Grand Prix retains its 2.1 status and will be run from 12 to 14 April. It will be followed, on 1 May, by the Aldeias do Xisto Classic class 1.2.
The Torres Vedras International Grand Prix - Joaquim AgostinhoTrophy continues at level 2.2, taking to the road between 11 and 14 July. The Portugal Tour, class 2.1, will take place between 31 July and 11 August.
The Grand Prix National Road 2 has no date yet, but it is expected to be included in the UCI calendar.
Professional teams present applications
Several international level Portuguese cycling teams have already submitted their applications. Vintage Pódio has applied to the UCI to move up to the continental professional category.
The Portuguese Cycling Federation has received nine applications for continental team status submitted by the following clubs: Bike Clube de Portugal, Boavista CC, CC Aldeia de Paio Pires, CC FJP, CC Tavira, CD Feirense, CD Fullracing, Louletano DC, and Velo Clube do Centro.