São Brás de Alportel awaits us after a climb along the EN 270, which leads to two challenges: the Marco and Bengado ascents, which are around 2.5 km long with a average gradient of 5°. At the entrance to the village, which governs a district heavily influenced by cork production, turn northwards and get your breath back for the hard climb to Cova da Muda, which really puts you to the test with gradients in excess of 10%. At an altitude of over 500 metres, the ocean to the south and the imposing Serra do Caldeirão to the north rival each other with a magical effect that gives you new strength for yet another steep climb, continuing through Javali towards Barranco do Velho. You then start to descent through the village of Estoi and on to Olhão.
São Brás de Alportel awaits us after a climb along the EN 270, which leads to two challenges: the Marco and Bengado ascents, which are around 2.5 km long with a average gradient of 5°. At the entrance to the village, which governs a district heavily influenced by cork production, turn northwards and get your breath back for the hard climb to Cova da Muda, which really puts you to the test with gradients in excess of 10%. At an altitude of over 500 metres, the ocean to the south and the imposing Serra do Caldeirão to the north rival each other with a magical effect that gives you new strength for yet another steep climb, continuing through Javali towards Barranco do Velho. You then start to descent through the village of Estoi and on to Olhão.
