Conquering 144 km with a 4500-meter Elevation Gain: Granfondo Serra da Estrela 2024

Riding 144 kilometers with a 4500-meter elevation gain in the Granfondo Serra da Estrela 2024 challenge was one of the most grueling and emotionally charged days of my life. It was not just a physical challenge but also a test of my mental resilience and willpower.

My journey began with setting clear goals. Unlike many participants who aimed for a podium finish, my objective was more personal. I wanted to push my limits, test my endurance, and experience the breathtaking scenery that the Granfondo Serra da Estrela route promised. The scenic beauty was not just a backdrop but a source of inspiration and motivation.

Equally important was my gear, although my bike was not entirely suited for mountainous terrain. Enthusiasts might point out that the profile of my bike's wheels should have been lower, which would have made climbing easier. However, I chose not to worry about it and didn’t spend extra money on new wheels. I already had experience riding my bike on long, steep climbs (forgive me, Granfondo Torres Vedras and the Serra do Socorro mountain). My bike was a Canyon Aeroad with 12-speed Shimano Di2, and it had served me well on challenging routes before.

My attire was chosen to provide maximum comfort and efficiency. I wore our club’s high-quality cycling kit from Gobik, which was both breathable and supportive. For added protection against the cold during descents, I had on an EM3 wind vest, gloves, and arm warmers. These elements ensured I remained comfortable and well-prepared for the varying weather conditions throughout the race.

Hydration systems, energy gels, and nutrition bars were meticulously selected to ensure my body received the necessary fuel throughout the race.

Mental preparation was as crucial as physical training. I spent hours visualizing the race, mentally rehearsing the climbs, and strategizing for the challenging sections. This mental rehearsal helped me build confidence and resilience, preparing me to face the inevitable mental battles during the ride. The book "Flow" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was incredibly helpful in this preparation. It taught me how to achieve a state of flow, where I could fully immerse myself in the experience, stay focused, and maintain peak performance, even during the most challenging parts of the race.

The excitement at the starting line was palpable. Cyclists from various backgrounds and levels of experience were gathered, all sharing the same nervous energy and anticipation. The weather was cool, with temperatures at the start around +12 degrees Celsius, indicating it would be very cold at the summit and during the descents.

As the race began, I felt a sense of calm and was fully relaxed for the first time. I had a plan to stick to the second power zone on the climbs and enjoy my long training ride in the mountains. So, when the first climbs started, I remained composed, and my heart rate stayed between 100-120 beats per minute, indicating full control over my well-being.

The first major climb was a test of endurance and mental fortitude. As I ascended, the gradient became steeper, and every pedal stroke required more effort. The scenery, though beautiful, began to blur as my focus narrowed to the task at hand. My muscles screamed in protest, and my breath became labored. The climb seemed endless, and doubt began to creep in.

Two hours into the race, the first and most challenging climb of 21 km with an average gradient of 6.4% began, with the last 6 km reaching gradients of 13-14%. I noticed my heart rate rising, and maintaining the same wattage became increasingly difficult. I had to gather myself and continue riding at my own pace, now adhering to my working Zone 4 heart rate. Before the toughest and final segment, my lower back muscles cramped, forcing me to stop and perform exercises to relieve the tension. Once I felt better, I resumed my climb.

At the end of this mountain, I began to hear two voices in my head. One voice questioned the purpose of my effort, arguing that there was no benefit in continuing, while the other encouraged me, saying that this experience would make me stronger. I had the chance to turn back and end it all, but looking at my bike computer, I realized that only one mountain remained and I had already completed half the course. The weather, growing colder with every meter and shrouded in fog, offered no additional motivation. Despite the harsh conditions and my muscles suffering, I kept pedaling, understanding that this mountain would not be the end.

At the feed zone at the end of this mountain, I stopped because my stomach demanded a sandwich. Not because I was hungry, but because my brain realized the extent of the ordeal and started consuming more energy. Gels and bars were not enough – I wanted bread! At this stop, the organizers told me I was third! This revelation was both surprising and motivating. Despite the struggles, I was in a strong position, and this news reignited my determination.

The descent into Manteigas was exhilarating. The wind rushed past as I navigated the twists and turns of the road, the landscape unfolding in a blur of greens and blues. This was a moment of pure joy, a reward for the grueling climb I had just conquered. My bike felt like an extension of myself, responding to every subtle shift and movement with precision.

My strategy relied heavily on my bike, which was specifically optimized for descents, and on my well-honed descending skills. Knowing that my Canyon Aeroad with its 12-speed Shimano Di2 was built for speed and stability, I placed my confidence in its performance. For the first time in 2.5 years of cycling, I felt completely at ease on the descent, merging with my bike as one entity. It was an incredible feeling. I focused on relaxing as much as possible, allowing my body to flow with the bike. Looking ahead, I meticulously calculated every meter, carefully planning my trajectory to smoothly overtake other riders. This involved precise timing and positioning to maintain speed while ensuring safety, maximizing the advantage provided by my equipment and skills.

Near the end of the descent, I encountered a cobblestone section, and the high speed caused my shoulder to cramp. However, I refocused, kept going, and pushed through the section as quickly as possible. I felt that I had gained a few minutes' lead, which made me even more at ease.

After the descent, the final climb to the main mountain of continental Portugal, Torre, began almost immediately. This was the ultimate test, the climb that would push me to my limits and beyond. The segment was 18 km with an elevation gain of just over 1000 meters. I had climbed this mountain three times from Covilha and roughly understood the gradient, but that knowledge did little to ease the trepidation I felt.

The last 5 km were tougher than I expected. My legs just didn't want to pedal, even though I wasn't hungry and my hydration was fine. I adhered to the rule of one bottle of water (0.6 liters) with electrolytes per hour, which had never failed me. But despite all my preparation and determination, my body was nearing its limits. Every pedal stroke was a battle against fatigue and pain.

The moment of realization of my physical and spiritual strength, persistence, and tolerance for my weaknesses came immediately when I crossed the finish line. I felt a clear sense of pride in myself and the person I had become. The finish line was not just the end of the race but a culmination of all my efforts and determination. It was a moment of triumph, a reward for the relentless pursuit of my goals.

As I crossed the finish line, a wave of emotions washed over me. I stopped being lazy and learned to push into the "red" zone when needed. Growth is impossible without stepping out of your comfort zone. I finally understood how skillfully I had learned to manage my energy to achieve results. This is one of the most important skills in life – to be able to manage your energy and strategically calculate each step and the amount of energy spent on it.

I clearly felt how crucial team support was throughout the race. I am confident that team support is the key to successfully achieving goals. The encouragement and camaraderie of fellow cyclists, the support of the organizers, and the cheers from spectators all played a vital role in keeping my spirits high. Knowing that I was not alone in this journey provided a significant boost to my morale.

As a result, I took 3rd place overall and 2nd place in the Masters A category. I was riding in 5th place, moved to 4th at the 60 km mark, and finished in 3rd place. This achievement was beyond my expectations and a testament to my hard work and determination. It was a moment of pride and fulfillment, knowing that I had given my best and achieved something remarkable.

Contact us and start your journey to the top with our cycling academy in Portugal! Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, our team is here to support and guide you. Let's embark on this journey together and achieve greatness. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right support and determination, you can conquer any mountain and reach new heights.