The UEC - European Cycling Union has chosen Portugal as its host of the 2019 European Downhill Championship, for the second consecutive year. After having passed through Lousã in 2018, this year, the competition will be held in Pampilhosa da Serra, on 4 and 5 May.
The organization of the event, presented in public on 17 March at the BTL - Lisbon Tourism Fair, is under the aegis of theFPC - Portuguese Cycling Federationin partnership with ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency and Pampilhosa da Serra Borough Council.
“Apart from all the characteristics linked to nature, Pampilhosa da Serra has above-average conditions for the practice of sports, which will allow professionals to achieve good performances in the championship" announced Pampilhosa da Serra Borough Council’s Vice President. Jorge Custódio also expressed "satisfaction" for the fact that Portugal will host this event for the second year.
For the Executive Director of ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency, the continued investment in the organisation of this European Championship reflects the"reputation" and the "credit" that the FPC has been able to create at an international level, regarding the organisation of elite sports competitions. Rui Simão also highlighted the "set of technical conditions" and "hospitality" that the councl has been able to put inplace, both in the scope of the Aldeias do Xisto project and in other ways, which make Pampilhosa da Serra "one of the interior territories with the best infrastructures and equipment for the practice of outdoor sports".
Aldeias do Xisto have "excellent conditions" for extreme sports
The FPC's President, Delmino Pereira, also pointed out that it is at the intersection of the best of both worlds that the great value of this initiative lies. "On one hand, we are an internationally recognised entity with the capacity to organise European championships and, at the same time, the Aldeias do Xisto landscape provides excellent conditions for the practice of extreme sports".
The Sports Director also explained that the success of a competition of this dimension extends beyond the actual competition days, since there are "many international athletes and teams that have come to our territory to train and spend seasons, all over the Aldeias do Xisto region, from Lousã to Pampilhosa da Serra". It is about the "impact and potential of the region in terms of sports tourism at an international level", he added.
The invitation is extended to all enthusiasts of the sport, for what promises to be"a great show in Pampilhosa da Serra, a borough that’s passionate for the natural beauty of the region", concluded Delmino Pereira.
It is worth remembering that, within the scope of the Cyclin' Portugal project, the Aldeias do Xisto are recognised as the first cycling destination of excellence in the country, combining quality infrastructures, competitive and leisure events, and tourist programmes and services specially designed for this public.
Francisco Pardal is the European Champion
Last year, the European Downhill Championship was held in Lousã. Francisco Pardal was crowned champion in a very competitive race, contested by 81 cyclists from 19 countries.
In total, Portuguese athletes won six gold medals, two silver, and one bronze.
Besides Francisco Pardal, Gold Medal went to Márcio Ferreira (Masters 35), Ana Martins (Masters 35), José Salgueiro (Masters 55), Rui Portela (Masters 60), and Tiago Ladeira (juniors).
Rui Cabrita (Masters 30) and Hélder Padilha (Masters 35) took Silver and João Estêvão (Masters 50) won a Bronze.