Video & Race Report: Trans Madeira Autumn 2022 Day 3

When we first organised Trans Madeira back in 2018 this was the day we were most scared of. We weren't sure if riders would love it or hate it. At the time one of those riders was Yoann Barelli and he told us: "you can change the entire route but never, never ever change this day". From that point forward we knew that this day had something special. The views, the brutal hike-a-bike from south to north, the ride down to Nun's Valley and the special stages make this a ride to remember and the reason why Trans Madeira exists.

Morning started in the fog and riders doubted they would ever see the sun shining.

Classic Madeira just playing weather tricks on us.

The route to the first stage of the day has a small taste of the hike-a-bike coming later.

When the weather opened up the view was clear above the capital, Funchal.

Earn your laps.

The legendary Angel Loron ready to attack day three.

First stage of the day is the most alpine trail we have on the island. Fast, open, rocky to keep everyone on their toes.

Poncha Racing Team has been drinking better than riding.

The stages in the morning are completely the opposite of the afternoon.

Fixing bodies along the way.

Refuel and get bikes ready for what's about to come.

Nun's valley should be on your bucket list if you're planning to visit Madeira.

Levada liaisons. Just don't fall on them...

Once you hit the climb there's no margin to chicken' out.

Mid-day recovery drink - poncha.

Diving into the north, Sao Vicente, where our ancestors made magic happen.

No words needed. The best trail ever.

These are the numbers that really matter today. Results are just part of the equation.

Racing these trails blind has a special taste.

And they taste better with a beer at the finish line.

Poncha or beer... make your choice. Pssst, choose both.

On the rental but still loving it.

Brutal but so worthy. Early bedtime mandatory.

A bit of pain. A lot of smiles and high-fives along the way.

Loron still had the energy for some surfing before dinner.

Marshals that breath mountain biking and Trans Madeira. Thanks team!

RESULTS AFTER DAY THREE

MEN
1. Wyn Masters (NZL), 1:34:17
2. Marcelo Gutierrez (COL), 1:35:47
3. Gary Donaldson (IRL), 1:37:02

WOMEN
1. Katy Curd (GBR), 1:57:25
2. Megan Tuttle (USA), 1:58:42
3. Simone Vogel (GER), 2:00:23

MEN30
1. Will Ward (GBR), 1:39:34
2. Juan Vintimilla (ECU), 1:43:05
3. Alex Gammeter (SUI), 1:45:09

MEN40
1. Leo Kokkonen (FIN), 1:41:50
2. Toni Walbridge (USA), 1:47:02
3. Nijs Kurpershoek (NED), 1:48:54

Full results here.

Posted In:
Racing and Events Videos Race Reports Trans Madeira

Author Info:

transmadeira
Member since Nov 28, 2017
41 articles

6 Comments

gaffney92 (Sep 24, 2022 at 12:42)

That 1000m hike is an incredible experience!! Not too hard either but its the hour long traverse afterwards that sucks.... up and down and off the bike and back on the bike... GOD!!! But the next two trails after are heavenly!!

RadBartTaylor (Sep 24, 2022 at 9:40)

Gotta love the last pic with the phantom arm spilling beer on the dudes crotch....A+

Jordansemailaddress (Sep 24, 2022 at 16:56)

Of all the epic stage races around the world on my list of “can’t afford to, but wish I could”, this is at the top. Looks like Jurassic Park but with crazy mountain bike trails instead of crazy dinosaurs!

machaut FL (Sep 24, 2022 at 16:40)

That loam looked like chocolate cake!

TylerG96 (Sep 24, 2022 at 20:28)

i want to race/photo this one day

schofell84 (Sep 24, 2022 at 7:08)

Looks magical.