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Madeira Bike Tours
Madeira Bike Tours

Tier 1 destination

Trans Madeira

Trans Madeira is a 5-day point-to-point enduro race that crosses Madeira tip-to-tip. Started by Freeride Madeira in 2013, it's the marquee event in Madeira's MTB calendar — half "international race", half "best singletrack you'll ever ride".

By Tomás Faria, Trans Madeira finisher · Last updated

The numbers

  • Format: 5 race days, ~25 timed enduro stages, 8,000-10,000m descent total
  • Dates: typically early September each year
  • Capacity: ~150 riders
  • Entry: ~€2,000-2,500 (riding + accommodation + breakfast + dinner + shuttles)
  • Categories: Elite, Master, Amateur, Women, E-Enduro
  • Organizer: Freeride Madeira

Format

Each race day, riders shuttle to a high-altitude start point and ride 4-6 timed enduro stages between transfer sections. Stages are typically 15-25 min of full-throttle descent. Transfers between stages are non-timed. Cumulative time across 5 days determines final placing.

The race traverses different parts of the island each day — Pico do Arieiro, Paul da Serra, Estaca area, Fanal, Funchal hills. You see Madeira's full MTB diversity in 5 days.

Who should race it

  • Elite/Master: seasoned EWS or national-level enduro riders. Prize purse + UCI points.
  • Amateur: the bulk of the field — confident on red/black trails, comfortable with 4-5 hour ride days, fitness for 5 consecutive days.
  • E-Enduro: e-MTB category, lower fitness barrier, same technical demand.
  • First-time race / non-racer: consider a Trans Madeira-style 5-day camp instead (Freeride or Radwall) — same singletrack, no clock.

How to prep

  • 4-6 months out: book entry (sells out fast)
  • 3 months out: book flight + extra accommodation for arrival/departure days
  • 2 months out: 5-7 day reconnaissance ride trip to Madeira (Freeride or Radwall) — pre-ride the stages
  • 1 month out: taper, kit check, brake-pad and tyre orders
  • Race week: arrive 2 days early, pre-ride day 1 stages on your race bike

Honest take

Trans Madeira is genuinely one of the world's best enduro races — global field, incredible terrain, well-run logistics. But it's a race; pace yourself. First-day adrenaline + jet lag wreck a lot of weeks. If you've never raced multi-day enduro, do a 5-day Freeride or Radwall camp first to find out if you actually want to spend the entry money.

Plan + prep