The city of Covilhã will host from September 18 to 20 the first edition of "1993 – Conquering the Tower / Serra da Estrela Cycling Tourism Festival." The event was born from a promise made by sports commentator Olivier Bonamici during a Tour de France broadcast, when he committed to climbing from Covilhã to the Tower by bicycle. The Municipality of Covilhã adopted the idea and transformed it into a collective and non-competitive event, which sold out the 1,993 available spots in less than 48 hours, in direct reference to the maximum altitude of Serra da Estrela.
The main moment takes place on Saturday, September 19, with departure at 08:30 from the Covilhã Sports Complex. Participants will cover approximately 26 kilometers to the summit of Serra da Estrela, at 1,993 meters of altitude. Along the route, three Celebration Checkpoints have been set up at Parque do Pião, Penhas da Saúde, and the Tower, with music and entertainment. The return to Covilhã will be made through an organized and security-monitored descent.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the Sports Complex hosts the 1993 Bike Expo, an exhibition fair bringing together brands and professionals from the sector. On Friday, September 18, the official presentation of the event is scheduled, along with the launch of the book "João Almeida and the Magic Mountain" by Gonçalo Moreira, and the BiciTalks, a panel about mountain stages moderated by Olivier Bonamici.
On Sunday, September 20, the festival closes with the Social Rides, three relaxed rides dedicated to Road Cycling Tourism with 64 kilometers, Mountain Bike with 55 kilometers, and eBike with 55 kilometers.
