Cycling Clubs & Organisations

Cycling is extremely popular in Portugal – with both lycra-clad roadies (estrada) and mud-covered mountain bikers (BTT) a common sight at the weekend, particularly around the bigger towns. 

Lots of cycling clubs exist but – surprise, surprise – they are mainly Portuguese so unless you’re fluent in the language getting in touch (and communicating on rides) may not be that simple.

Nonetheless, this new page aims to include details of as many cycling (and cycling-related) organisations and clubs in Portugal that I can find.

There aren’t many so far but as ever, it’s an ongoing project and I would love to hear from anyone with details of other clubs or organisations – whatever their size and nature! Please leave a comment/details in the box at the bottom of this page.

Clubs/organisations are listed with national ones top and then by region: Northern Portugal, the Beiras, Lisbon & Central, the Alentejo and the Algarve. 

NATIONAL

Federação Portuguesa de Ciclismo (FPC) – Founded in 1899, the Portuguese Cycling Federation is the oldest sports federation in the country. The organisation is responsible for the “co-ordination, regulation and development” of cycling, for both competitive and non-competitive riders. Its website is in Portuguese only.

For a list of FCP regional branches (delegations) see this list.

iSport Cycling – this site sets out to provide listings of clubs in towns across Portugal (and other countries). It’s a bit hit-and-miss as some of the links don’t work, but others contain contact details, telephone numbers and emails.

Portuguese Federation of Cycle Tourism & Bicycle Users – FPCUB is a non-governmental environmental organisation working at a national level and a member of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF).

It was set up in 1987 and, according to its website, the purpose of FPCUB “is to defend the environment, defend and promote the cultural, historical and archaeological heritage by promoting cycling as a form of sustainable mobility (as well as users), and the development of the ecotourism practice of leisure, maintenance and tourism, representing it internationally and in Portugal”.

Another website that’s only in Portuguese – although it does have a list of ‘eventos‘ on its calendar, including BTT and road events.

Randonneurs Portugal – includes details of events, membership and events for randonneurs – or Audax for UK and Australian cyclists. The site is in Portuguese only but includes a calendar of events. The group also has its own YouTube page with videos from previous events.

LISBON & CENTRAL

ALPHA Cycling Club – based in Rio de Mouro, a suburb of Lisbon near Sintra.

Silvercoasters – Small club offering organised rides around the Silver Coast area of Portugal (north of Lisbon, roughly from Peniche to beyond Nazaré).

ALGARVE

FPC – Delegação do Algarve – part of the FPC (see above), the site includes a (Portuguese-only) calendar of cycling events for estrada and BTT. There is a button to click for an English language part of the site but this only seems to have details of the Volta ao Algarve, which is the annual professional race generally held in late February.

32 thoughts on “Cycling Clubs & Organisations”

  1. Hi there,
    I’m a road bike cyclist based in central Lisbon. Would be keen to find other road bike cyclists looking for Sunday morning spins (80-120km) and perhaps some mid-week shorter spins.
    I know a few routes but mainly out towards Sierra de sintra / Mafra would be great to find others with alternative routes that don’t involve the crazy ‘marginal’ road 🙂

    Reply

  2. Hi, we will be visiting Lisbon Baxia area for 4 nights mid July – my son is a serious road cyclist and has a training program he must stick to – is there anyone who i can contact about renting a road bike size 60 with a power meter – is there maybe a retired professional who might want to cycle with Lucca? any information will be so appreciated – I feel totally lost looking for a specific bike and getting advice – trying to keep my son happy.

    Reply

      2. Hi Huw, very keen to find out more about cycling in Tavira. I’m a Kiwi, currently living in the UAE, doing about 8,000kms a year. Riding with blokes 10-25 years younger than me! (i’m 69 going on 55). Looking to retire in the next 2 years and buy on the outskirts of Tavira. Would be good to set up contact with you!

        Reply

        2. I am in Tavira for three weeks in September and cycle there every year. There are loads of great routes and hardly any traffic.. My favourite is the circular ride up to Cachopo and back via Sao Bras around 110k. Lot of climbing to Cachopo as route used in tour of Portugal. Abilio bikes worth contacting too.

          Reply

  3. I’m travelling to Portugal in March with a travel partner who is an avid road biker. He will be bringing his road bike with him. We’ll be primarily in Cascais, Porto, Duro Valley, and Lagos. I want to join him on a few trips but will need an ebike to keep up. Is there anywhere to rent e-bikes in those 4 general areas where you just rent the ebike? I am not interested in going with a group or on a bike tour. Just want the bike.

    Reply

      1. I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you sending me this link. It’s exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

        Reply

  4. Hello my friends! I’m moving to portugal on March 2023, i love to turing and do social rides, anything related to make new friends and get to know beautiful places in my bike, is there any recomendation that you can give me? I will love to find a cycling social club, thanks in advance and regards to everyone! – Jerónimo.

    Reply

    1. I’m also moving to Portugal and looking to find BTT social groups. I wish you much joy in your journey! Have you found a social club?

      Reply

  5. Hello,
    I moved to Faro fee months back and looking for some people to MTB with, I do ride fsirly well, not a pro level though. Just for fun, 40 to 80km trips. I was just thinking to leave a comment if someone maybe interested. Thanks!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Tomas, I live in Faro and I love cycling! I would love to go with you.

      Let me know if you are still interested.

      Claudio

      Reply

  6. Hi, are you aware of any amateur clubs
    In the Algarve near Vilamoura? I will be travelling around the end of December 2021 and want to try and find a small group ride or someone or people I can tag along with. Also any good recommendations for bike hire in this area?

    Reply

    1. Hi Mark
      Sorry, I don’t have any contacts. I’d suggest contacting local bike shops to see if they know – in the Algarve they’ll probably know ex-pat groups as well as locals.
      There are lots of places offering bike hire but the only company we’ve ever used personally are Cycling Rentals. But they’re Lisbon-based so you may be easier to try a local firm. Some of those listed have recommendations from other riders.
      Cheers, Huw

      https://pedalportugal.com/routes-resources/listings/bike-hire/

      Reply

    2. There are organised rides from The Campus Bike Shed in Quinta do Lago. There are longer/harder/faster rides with plenty of climbing (70-90km) on a Tue and Thur and then shorter slightly slower (50km) rides on a Wed and Fri. All start at the Bike Shed at 09:00 and cost €15, coffee included. I do the shorter rides and we average around 25km/h. There are also longer but flatter rides (80-100km) each Sat. Alternatively, there is a new group that I believe ride from Vilamoura and fits into the faster/longer/harder category. They are based out of a cafe in Monchique and it’s called Velochique. Check them on fb or Strava

      Reply

  7. Hi Huw,
    Would you know any group that would ride around Cascais/Eiriceira? I’ve just moved to Cascais with my Irish boyfriend and he is find difficult to engage with any. Would be great if you could give us some light… or if you are up to, you could joing him for a ride?! 🙂
    Cheers.
    Camila

    Reply

    1. Sorry but only contacts I have are those listed. I’m not based full time in Portugal so don’t have any personal contacts. Have you tried asking local bike shops? Although unless you speak Portuguese you probably need to find an expat group

      Reply

    2. Hey, what kind of riding do you do? I’m moving to Estoril in January and I will be looking for a group/team to join as well. Did you find anybody in this time?

      Reply

  8. I am a 70 year old Canadian coming to Portugal for the “Cycle Across Portugal ” event that starts on May 19th. I’ll be in Lisbon prior to the start of the event from May 15th. Do you know how I could join up with some (competitive – 28-32 kph) road cyclists to ride with May 15th to 18th?
    Thank you,

    Gary Denton
    Penticton, B.C.
    C A N A D A

    Reply

    1. Hi Gary
      Very sorry but the contacts on this page are the only ones I have. You’d probably be best contacting the Ride Across Portugal organisers – they might have some way of putting you in touch with other riders.
      Respect to you for tackling it. That is quite a ride – it did make me smile looking at route “presentation”, which mentions “a mixed profile between mountainous and flat stages”.
      Can’t say I’ve ever come across many flat parts of Portugal!
      Cheers, Huw

      Reply

      1. Thanks for your prompt reply. That is a good idea to contact the RAP organizers. I haven’t contacted them yet.
        Cheers, Gary

        Reply

  9. Hi, thanks so much for this information! I’m a road cyclist from Australia who is traveling to Portugal for the world university Games! I’m in porto 10th-19th of July, Lisbon 19th -29th of July and braga 29th july -5th of august. Just wondering if you know of any cycling clubs / cyclists I could contact to train with in those areas or some good 50-100km routes that avoid heavy traffic. Thanks again!

    Reply

    1. Hi Ruby. I’m from Australia and based in Lisbon for now. I’m also a cyclist (though not serious/ competitive – more touring). I’m keen to do some rides around the Lisbon area too, if you want a buddy. Email is kittyjeanl@gmail.com

      Reply

  11. We are visiting San Martinho Do Porton August 16 – 23.
    We would like to hire 4 bikes please.

    Let me know if you can deliver the bikes to us and collect them.

    Thank You

    Reply

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