EPX – Extreme Peneda Xúres 2026

EPX – Extreme Peneda Xúres is a non-competitive mountain bike challenge starting in Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal, held in July within the Gerês-Xurês Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. Participants select one of three GPS-guided routes: Green Wolf (124 km, 3,300 m elevation gain), White Wolf (168 km, 3,900 m), or Black Wolf (199 km, 5,200 m). The format emphasizes self-sufficiency, with participants given 19 hours, strict time cutoffs, and no external support beyond assistance from locals or fellow riders. The course crosses the border between Portugal and Spain, utilizing protected areas within Peneda-Gerês National Park and Baixa Limia Serra do Xurés Natural Park. It connects mountain regions such as Soajo, Xurés, Peneda, Picos, Amarela, and Laboreiro, and passes through locations like Lindoso, Soajo, Castro Laboreiro, Entrimo, Lobios, and Sistelo. Participation is capped because of the route's location within a biosphere reserve. The event targets adult riders capable of managing extensive climbing, remote landscapes, GPS navigation, and a day focused on self-reliance over competitive placement.