The Challenge Begins
Damià Portella, a 44‑year‑old amateur cyclist from Ciutadella, decided to turn a boring training routine into something extraordinary. After recovering from surgery and feeling stuck on the same local races in Menorca, he set his sights on linking Spain’s two biggest cities by bike: Madrid to Barcelona.
The Route and Terrain
Starting from the San Blas area of Madrid, Portella and a small group rode toward Cifuentes, then through Nuévalos, Belchite, and Mequinenza. The journey took them across sparsely populated plains and iconic wind‑mill landscapes before hitting a tough 100‑kilometre stretch of constant climb toward Santa Coloma de Queralt.
After conquering that ascent, the final push led them to Barcelona, where they capped the ride by climbing Tibidabo. In total, the route covered about 700 kilometres with roughly 7,500 metres of positive elevation gain.
Overcoming Obstacles
Portella aimed for a steady pace of around 26 km/h, but frequent stops for water, snacks, and short naps slowed the average speed. During the ride he faced several challenges:
- Stomach trouble: Between the first and second checkpoints, heat and water made him unable to keep food or drink down for two‑to‑three hours.
- Mechanical issues: Multiple punctures left him stranded in an area with no phone signal or spare parts. A passing van rescued him, offering a Coca‑Cola and a ride to the next town where organizers helped replace his bike parts.
- Physical fatigue: Riding almost two full days tested his endurance, but he kept moving forward.
Despite these setbacks, Portella finished the ride, estimating he completed the full distance minus the ~20 kilometres covered by the van.
Memorable Moments
The journey wasn’t all hardship. Along the way he encountered wild boars crossing the road at night, stopped at a late‑night churrería in Daroca for a life‑saving snack, and shared a Coca‑Cola with a friendly local in Lleida who turned out to be the technician who had operated on him at Barcelona’s Clínic hospital. These small, human connections added colour to the epic trek.
Looking Ahead
Portella, who has been cycling for nearly two decades (road biking for over ten years), is already thinking about his next adventure. He’s considering a couple of new challenges and hopes to repeat the Madrid‑Barcelona ride next year if his finances allow. For him, the feat was as much a mental victory as a physical one.
Conclusion
Connecting Madrid and Barcelona by bicycle in just 40 hours is a remarkable achievement that showcases determination, preparation, and the willingness to push past discomfort. Damià Portella’s story reminds us that even when the road gets tough, a clear goal and a supportive community can turn a daunting challenge into an unforgettable experience.
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Images Credit: www.menorca.info