The Granfondo da Serra d'Ossa will take place on the 3rd and 4th, mobilizing around 1700 participants in a race that crosses five municipalities in the Alentejo. José Santos, president of the Regional Tourism Entity of Alentejo and Ribatejo, argues that the event is one of the main instruments for promoting cycle tourism in the region and classifies it as "an anchor event for bicycle tourism." The official considers that the financial support from Alentejo Tourism should be seen as an investment and not as a cost, due to the economic return it generates in the territories involved.
José Santos explains that many cyclists travel to the Alentejo throughout the year to train and return to participate in the event or make new stays. The president highlights that these visitors come to the territory two or three times a year, sleeping in hotels, rural tourism, eating in restaurants and shopping in local commerce. The economic impact is considered significant, although there is still no study that allows determining the concrete value generated by the race.
The limited accommodation capacity in the five municipalities involved raises challenges, with some participants and companions staying in other territories, a situation José Santos compares to the Festas do Povo in Campo Maior, which even benefit hotel units in Badajoz and Mérida. The official revealed that a tool is being created to measure more rigorously the economic impact of the event in the next edition. The president also highlighted the importance of companions and family members, who reinforce the impact on hotels, restaurants and commerce before and after the race.
The Granfondo da Serra d'Ossa is currently the only event of its kind in the Alentejo and will take place next year in the municipality of Redondo, starting a new five-year cycle. José Santos classifies the event as medium-sized, highlighting that it involves 1700 participants and requires considerable logistics. The region is also preparing to host major international events in 2026, such as the six days of Enduro on the Alentejo coast and the Portugal Legends Tour. José Santos warned, however, about the need to maintain and cherish these medium-sized events, which are fundamental for the territorial and tourism cohesion of the Alentejo.
