Achievements

Ultra Blue Island 118K

Four years after my last ultra trail and one after a full rupture of the front thigh muscle, these 118K took will, swearing and guts to finish. Started and ended at night time, battling hard since km 45. The breathtaking island of Faial and its volcanic features provided the rest. What an experience.

May 25

Cape Epic

After 3 surgeries and 11 months time off in 2024, it felt amazing to fly to South Africa ant team up with André - a promise made during RAAM - and ride the Untamed together! What an amazing, tough as nails event, in a beautiful and inspiring country!

Mar 25

Paris-Brest-Paris

After a short rest from RAAM, it was time to participate in this venerable, legendary and iconic race. Since 1891, "Bon courage, bonne route!" can be heard every four years in a manifestation of cycling passion unlike any other. What a ride!

Aug 23

Race Across America

The dream and challenge of a lifetime. After assembling an "A Team" of friends, we launched to the US West Coast to live an adventure and take on the toughest ultracycling challenge as the first Portuguese Team on the Solo division. 11 days and 20h later, the skies burst in celebration! JUST DID IT!

Jun 23

Basajaun

Back to Basque Country just 2 weeks after IM Vitoria, Basajaun starts precisely from plaza with the IM finish line. The first edition of the unsupported gravel event was all I searched for in terms of adventure and testing new grounds. Off-roads for a change, equipment and rider were bashed but came through an unforgettable and varied set of natural scenarios and challenges.

Jul 22

Ironman Vitoria

Back to IM events after 3 years (and 1 week after full medical discharge following DVT), Vitoria was all about willpower. With very low preparation but an amazing pleasure to be back to the 3 sports, bringing my family for the first time made this finish line one I'll never forget.

Jul 22

BikingMan Portugal

Back on the road following a comprehensive shoulder surgery and a DVT early in the year, BikingMan Portugal was a proof of life and a celebration of being able to feel the wind on my face again. What an amazing event, beautiful landscapes, route and special organization. Couldn't ask for a better comeback.

May 22

RAAM Qualified

A couple of weeks after Race Across Germany, the formal communication from RAAM Race Director came in: it became official, Iron Pigeon is RAAM Qualified for 2 years.

Oct 21

Race Across Germany

When the going gets tough, the tough grow mustaches and head to Germany. West-East crossing, 800K in under 37h non-stop was the objetive. Crew and rider delivered another story to tell.

Sep 21

NorthCape4000

Unsupported bike adventure from Rovereto, Italy, to Nordkapp, Norway. 4500km, 10 countries in 2 weeks. The adventure of a lifetime. An whole life could fit in these days. Life changing experience.

Aug 21

Portugal Divide

Multi-day racing event, touching the NSEW continental extremes, the hightest point and the geodesic center. A great adventure and a priviledged glimpse into the diversity and essence of the country. Even with an accident in the last day. An adventure with great memories and learning experience.

Jun 21

Il Lombardia

Despite Muro di Sormanno and Madonna del Ghisallo climbs, certainly not the toughest of the monuments - but tough to argue it's not the most beautiful. The sunrise bathing the misty hills, Lago di Como, Madonna del Ghisallo, the race of the falling leaves is a treat for the eyes. Throw in visiting the Chapel and cycling museum and this race is a must.

Oct 19

L'Eroica Chianti

A vintage race in Tuscanny, 200K of mostly sterrato. Classic bike parts and apparel. Foccacia, wine, parmesan, farro al'olio amongst other replenishments. Strade bianche routes. Bring glue and mend your own punctures in the tubulars. Enough said. What an amazing event.

Oct 19

Ironman Frankfurt

A lesson in heat management and blisters as the European heat wave hit Germany hard. A no-wetsuit swim, scorching hot bike and 40ºC in the marathon. Great atmosphere and support.

Jul 19

Milano-Sanremo

After cold leaving Milano, the Turchinno and the amazing descent into Genoa leads to a Mediterranean coastline ride coupled with the 3 Capi and the Cipressa and Poggio to close. With 300K, the longest of the Monuments.

Jun 19

Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Brutal weather, unforgettable climbs. After an hailstorm arriving at Bastogne, the Stokeau, La Rosiere, La Redoute and many others. La Doyenne, the oldest of the Monuments and, with appropriate weather, the toughest.

May 19

Norseman

Norseman Extreme Triathlon. Amazing atmosphere around the event and the organization. One of that experiences that are meant to be lived, not described with words. But it can be tried. After a troublesome swim, a great bike and enduring run made a Black T-shirt Finisher.

Aug 18

Roubaix

Though, mythical, an unforgettable, hands-on, learning experience on how to ride the pavée and a tour of some of cycling's holy grounds.

Apr 18

Ronde

First of the 5 Monuments' amateur events. 270k, tactical, wind-gusted, hellingen, the most complete.

Mar 18

L'Étape du Tour

2017 Étape, featuring Col de Vars and Col d'Izoard. A snapped spoke and clumsy rear wheel change made it untrivial to finish. But this was a very special ride.

Jul 17

Ironman Barcelona

The first full distance IM event, in loving memory of my Dad who had just passed. Rode it in his bike, a different person emerged from the finish line.

Oct 16

Lisboa Triathlon - Half-Ironman

First triathlon event. Orange weather alert. Couldn't ask for a better baptism into this sport. Tough as nails, hooked for life! What a blast!

May 16

... enter Triathlon

The remnants from a spinal disc-removal surgery 10y before returned. After recovery, had to keep up physical activity to keep pain-free. Decided to take up triathlon, registered for a full Ironman event in the following year to ensure motivation and stickyness of plan.

Jun 15