Stage 3 | FORNOS DE ALGODRES – PENHAS DA SAÚDE

“Stage 3 is the one with the most meters of climbing.
Be aware that day 3 will be hard, it’s mental preparation starts at stage one and two. Do not burn yourself during the first two days going too fast.
In the morning at the horizon you can allready see the mountains of the serra d’estrela you will be going up hours later.
After some easy ups and downs, in the second half of the stage You have to climb two long ascents, this will need a lot of strength, also mentally.
Before the big climbs, make sure you have enough water and food. You easily find the indicated fountains on the way or little shops or bars in the villages near the track.
Technically it is not a difficult stage, there is a beautiful scenery all over the day, the view down in the valley of Zezere is amazing. Before the last ascent check the cut-off time at the controlpoint, average speed is going to be less. Allways keep going even if you have to walk, never stop.
The last 5 km are downhill, very fast on tarmac.”