The Plan

2024/2025 Initial preparation

The end of 2024 and the end of 2025 are dedicated to the assembly and preparation of the project.

In my case, I have to take care of my physical condition, starting by building a good base of aerobic fitness and general muscle strengthening. I need to be able to sit in the saddle for long hours and manage the effort on medium- to long-distance routes with different gradients.

In this initial phase (end of 2024) and given the limited material conditions (namely the lack of a bicycle capable of going out on the road), the training is done on an interactive roller (smart trainer tacx vortex) on which a Zeus Road 2000 bicycle is mounted with a Campagnolo Avanti 2×8-speed transmission (39/52 on the front and 12/23 on the rear wheel) and the Rouvy app (with a weekly mileage of no less than 200km and an accumulation of no less than 1500m). The results of this training are stored in the Strava app for tracking, evaluation and analysis.

In 2025, it is planned to buy a gravel bike that will allow the team to go out on the road. Road training is planned for the Cascais and Sintra area, particularly in the Sintra hills, where there are several gravel and road routes of varying difficulty, where the necessary skills can be prepared.

The bike chosen is, among the many analyzed, a Welt G80 with 2×10 gears (34/50 on the front and 11/28 on the rear wheel).

This model has an aluminum frame with a carbon fork, disc brakes and internal wiring.

2026 First tests.

The first gravel races are planned for 2026. The idea is to gain experience and some visibility, so that all the project’s sponsors can make a return.

2027 Final preparation

The year 2027 will be the year of final and specific preparation for the first attempt in the Badlands.

This year’s preparation will not only be about physical and technical fitness, but also about eating habits, mental preparation and mechanical skills.