BTG Pactual Bike Series

The BTG Pactual Bike Series is Brazil's most established urban cycling series, celebrating its 11th year in 2026. Every stage is held on circuits fully closed to traffic, from the Interlagos Formula 1 autodrome to city avenues, and the format is unique: riders race for 2 hours plus one extra lap, with distance depending on pace. You can race solo or as a duo. The São Paulo stage on 1 November is raced around Ibirapuera Park, on wide avenues closed to traffic, with the start at the Obelisk. On wide avenues the pace rarely drops: positioning in the bunch and the ability to respond to accelerations decide the race. Racing on closed roads removes traffic concerns entirely, making this one of the safest competitive cycling experiences in Brazil. Training should focus on sustained high-intensity efforts typical of criterium-style racing. Include VO2max intervals of 3-5 minutes, tempo blocks of 20-30 minutes, and practice riding in a group at high pace. The 2-hour format demands good aerobic fitness with the ability to surge repeatedly. Cornering technique and pack-riding confidence are valuable skills for this circuit-style event.