The first edition of the Motorcycling World Cup on Sand will be disputed on Monte Gordo beach between November 17 and 19.

Monte Gordo has been chosen to host the third stage of the FIM Sand Races World Cup, a new International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) competition for motorcycles and quad bikes. The event will be disputed between November 17 and November 19.

Taking place in the middle of the low season, the event is expected to attract thousands of visitors to Monte Gordo beach and the Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) municipality.

Álvaro Leal, VRSA’s Sports and Youth councillor, revealed, at Lisbon’s Tourism Fair (BTL) last week, that the «Monte Gordo Sand Experience» will take place similarly to the «Enduropale du Touquet» in the north of France and of the «Enduro del Verano», in Argentina: the first two stages of the competition, which took place last February and are very popular worldwide.

«The event is expected to positively impact the local economy, from commerce to the hotel and restaurant sectors. It reinforces the idea that Vila Real de Santo António and the Algarve region have the potential to be visited throughout the year. We estimate that hotels in the municipality and neighbouring areas will register maximum occupancy levels during the race», says Álvaro Leal.

The Sand Racing World Cup encompasses three stages, of which Monte Gordo is the last of the season. The first day, November 17, will be dedicated to administrative and technical checks at the Vila Real de Santo António Sports Complex. November 18 and 19 will be devoted to the races, which will be held on a 5 km beach circuit during low tide.

Organised by the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), together with the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, it is sponsored by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and the Motorcycling Federation of Portugal (FMP).

Privileged viewing for the public

Offering a privileged view of the entire competition area, the public will be able to watch the event from rooftops, an immense elevated walkway along the beach, or a reserved area on the sand.

Various activities will be staged along the waterfront avenue for the public, including a Fun Park for the whole family. A large exhibition area dedicated to brands and the sale of merchandise will be an obligatory pit stop for all lovers of two wheels. In addition, there will be a large food court on Monte Gordo beach.

Environmental Enhancement Plan

To avoid any environmental impact, a technical team will be responsible for drawing up, implementing and monitoring the Environmental Enhancement Plan.

A work and supply park will also be created where, during vehicle maintenance or inspection operations, a mandatory absorbent mat will have to be used to avoid any type of spillage. All waste produced will be correctly packaged and sent to the appropriate final destination.

Initiatives such as planting pine trees, distributing information on good practices and reinforcing equipment to collect waste are also planned.

The event’s organisation received positive feedback from the competent authorities, including the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).