GFNY Conservatória is a mountain race that takes on three major climbs and will test your strength and endurance, while also taking in five main tourism landmarks of Conservatória. Race along a breathtaking route over hills and along forests, rivers and lush nature as far as the eye can see. The race features fully closed roads, with both the long and medium route riders taking on a triangular loop before the long route riders split off for a mountain climb out-and-back section.

GFNY Conservatória starts and finishes at the historic train station on Rua das Flores, which connected Conservatória with other commercial partners in the coffee trade. From there, an incredible 72km loop to the east towards Valença and south towards Barra do Piraí before returning back to Conservatória.

At KM 1.5, you’ll pass the entrance gates to the India Waterfall, Cachoeira da Índia. After several undulating hills, the first major climb starts at 7km, the Serra Fazenda Veneza climb, which is 2.5km long, 187m of elevation, 7% average and 14% maximum incline. This early climb will thin out the competition a little, but the next 22km are undulating and then a 20km net descent with rolling hills that will bunch the groups back together.

At KM 50 is where things start to get serious. Serra de Ipiabas is a 5.5km climb with 338m of elevation gain, 7% average and 15% maximum incline. At 700 masl, views of hills and valleys start unfolding themselves in the distance. In the town of Ipiabas, there is another 10km of rolling hills before 7km rolling net descent back to Conservatória.

At KM 71.5, you will ride through the historic, cobbled Maria Nossar Tunnel, a 100m-long railway tunnel built in 1883. It’s most often referred to as the Tunnel that Weeps, Tunel Que Chora, due to the nearby natural spring that seeps through the rocks. Shortly after the tunnel is the course split, where medium route riders reach their finish line back at the Conservatória train station and long route riders continue on their journey.

From KM 72, long route riders start Conservatória’s mythical climb, Serra da Beleza, which is 11.5km kong, 415m of climbing, 3.2% average and 14% maximum incline. The climb starts gentle, the group will push the pace and some riders will drop off. When you reach the impressive Ponte dos Arcos, which was a railway bridge built in 1883, you will know you’ve reached the half way point. It’s here the incline kicks up and the combined climbing of the day starts to take its toll on your legs. Reaching 900m masl, the views from the top of Serra da Beleza are jaw dropping, you’ll need to decide whether to keep racing or pause for a moment to enjoy this magnificent view (while also giving your legs some recovery).

From the top at KM 84, there is a 7km downhill section, then 20km of rolling hills until starting the climb up the back side of Serra da Beleza. By then your legs will be hurting, with just one goal in mind: KM 118, which is the end of the climb and the incredible views to enjoy one more time.

From the top of Serra da Beleza, it’s a joyful, fast 12km descent back to the finish line in Conservatória, a well-earned post-race meal, great beer and lively festivities and awards in the Praça Getúlio Vargas, the main city center square of Conservatória.

About Conservatória