Triathlon training across Sintra’s hills and Atlantic coast
May 14–21, 2027 · 8 days
May 14–21, 2027
8 days
Up to 14 participants
Full
Triathlon
What I’ll take you through
Throughout the week, we’ll train on some of the area's best roads for your triathlons. Hey everyone! I’m Albany, and…
Read the full brief
Throughout the week, we’ll train on some of the area's best roads for your triathlons.
Hey everyone! I’m Albany, and if you don’t know me already, I spend most of my time during the week cycling, running and swimming. I’ve spent a lot of years training and racing in triathlon, and I now also race for a London-based cycling team, TEKKERZ.
For this trip, we’ll be staying in Cascais, just outside Lisbon, in Portugal. It’s an amazing place to train, with beaches on one side and the Sintra hills and national park on the other.
Throughout the week, we’ll ride some of the area's best roads, including the famous Sintra loop, past Guincho Beach and the Estoril race track.
There will be around 750m-1,000m of climbing on some days. We’ll also run sections of the Ironman Cascais course along the coast and make the most of the sea with open-water swims too.
You’ll be part of a small group of around 14 of us, who are all training for triathlons. We’ll have two sessions each day, a support van on every ride, and lunch together back at the hotel after training.
Away from the training, we’ll hike up to the colourful Palácio da Pena for views over the coast and Lisbon. And, of course, there’ll be plenty of time to rest, recover and enjoy some great food throughout the week.
I'll take you through it.
Albany is on the same climb as you every day — out front, firing you up, and getting the group through the difficult bits together.
Difficult on purpose.
These days are meant to be difficult. They're the ones you talk about for years — and you get through them together.
Apply to join the team.
We pick the team carefully — attitude and fitness both matter — so everyone on the mountain belongs there and is ready for the difficult days.
The moment
Day five. We finish the long climb through Sintra and roll down the last hill to the coast, legs burning. You look up and the Atlantic is right there, everyone together, grinning because we made it — and the wind is finally at our backs.
Before you go
This doesn't start on day one. When you join the team you get a training plan for the weeks before, coaching to get you ready, and a team space to meet the people you'll go with. By the time you arrive, you'll know you can do it.
This team is full
Every place on this trip is taken, so applications are closed. Teams fill fast and we keep them small.
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How the week builds
Day 1
You’ll fly into Lisbon before making the 25-minute transfer to Cascais on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll head out for an easy shake-out run along the Paredão, before getting together for a welcome briefing and dinner at Hotel Cascais.
Day 2
On the morning of day 2, we’ll ride the iconic Sintra Loop, a 55km route with around 750m of climbing. We’ll head out towards Guincho Beach before climbing through Malveira da Serra and Biscaia, then return to Cascais via the historic Estoril race circuit. After lunch, we’ll head out for a 10km run along the coast, following part of the Ironman Cascais course.
Day 3
We’ll start day 3 with a walk to Praia da Duquesa for an open-water swim in the Bay of Cascais, covering around 2,000m. The sea is usually around 16°C, so make sure to wear a wetsuit. After lunch, we’ll head out for an 80km ride with around 1,000m of climbing, taking in the coastline route, past Praia Grande and Azenhas do Mar.
Day 4
We’ll start day 4 with a 2,000m open-water swim at Praia da Duquesa, focusing on sighting and swimming together as a group. Afterwards, we’ll spend some time stretching on the beach before heading back for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Sintra and hike up to Palácio da Pena, the highest point in the area, where we'll see the incredible views over the surrounding hills and coastline.
Day 5
It’s day 5, our final full day, so we’ll make the most of it with a ride of the Sintra Loop in reverse. The route is 60km with around 800m of climbing, with most of the ascent coming early before a long descent through Colares and back to Cascais. In the afternoon, we’ll head out for a 12km trail run through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, finishing at a scenic viewpoint before returning for our final dinner together.
Day 6
Day 6 splits us in two. If you're on Core, we share breakfast, then you head to Lisbon Airport. If you're staying on with the Ultra group, we ride the full Ironman Cascais bike route: 90 km, +600 m. We roll past the Estoril track and along the Marginal to Lisbon, the River Tagus in sight both ways.
Day 7
On day 7, we’ll drive to the beach for an easy 8km run along the coast, taking in some of the area's most scenic views before finishing with a dip in the sea. Afterwards, we’ll grab some snacks at a local café before heading back to the hotel for transition (T1 and T2) practice by the pool. I’ll be on hand to answer any questions before we wrap up the day with dinner.
Day 8
On the final day of the trip, we’ll enjoy one last breakfast together before saying our goodbyes. Afterwards, you’ll take a transfer to Lisbon Airport for your flight home, hopefully feeling refreshed, inspired and ready for your next challenge.
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Triathlon training across Sintra’s hills and Atlantic coast
May 14–21, 2027 · 8 days