Cycling, memory and passion on two wheels
On 1 December 2026, Quinta do Lago will host the 3rd edition of the Joaquim Apolo Festival, an event dedicated to cycling, training, competition, community and tribute to a key figure in the sport in the Algarve.
Organised by the S.R. Almancilense Cycling School, the festival once again brings together young athletes, cyclists from different age groups, families, teams and everyone who shares a close connection with cycling. More than just a race, this is a day designed to celebrate the sport, strengthen the sense of community and keep the memory of Joaquim Apolo alive.
EVENT INFORMATION
3rd JOAQUIM APOLO FESTIVAL
DATE
1 December 2026
LOCATION
Quinta do Lago
DISCIPLINE
Cycling
ORGANISED BY
S.R. Almancilense Cycling School
AGE CATEGORIES
Under-15, Cadets, Juniors, Under-23, Amateur Elites, Masters Open, Para-cycling and Cycling for All
ADDITIONAL EVENT
Individual time trial from Under-15 upwards
ENTRY
Free
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
Bicycle and helmet
A festival that celebrates much more than cycling
The Joaquim Apolo Festival returns in 2026 for its third edition, this time at Quinta do Lago, bringing together athletes, cycling schools, families and cycling enthusiasts for a day where competition, training, community and remembrance come together.
The aim remains the same: to create an event that goes beyond competition and helps bring different generations of cyclists closer together. For some, it will be another race on the calendar. For others, it may be one of their first experiences at an event of this scale. For families, it will also be an opportunity to follow the journey of the young athletes more closely and share their passion for cycling.
In 2026, we want to create once again an environment where competing, learning, socialising and riding are all part of the same experience.
“In Memory of Joaquim Apolo
An Extraordinary Cyclist from Almancil.
Cycling was his path; leaving a legacy was his destiny.
His strength and determination continue to inspire us all.”
With affection,
Cycling School of Sociedade Recreativa Almancilense
Joaquim Apolo: a name linked to the history of cycling in the Algarve
he name Joaquim Apolo is deeply connected to the history of cycling in Almancil and the Algarve. Born in Almancil, he distinguished himself as a cyclist and built a career that made him a reference in the sport across the region, achieving noteworthy results at national level.
But speaking about Joaquim Apolo is not only about sporting results. It is also about a generation that helped shape local cycling, a strong connection to the bicycle and a legacy that remains important to pass on to younger riders.
It is precisely this memory that the festival seeks to preserve. By associating his name with an event that brings together training, competition and community, the S.R. Almancilense Cycling School keeps alive an important part of its own identity and of the history of cycling in Almancil.
For young athletes, learning about these references is also part of the journey. Cycling is not only about training, competing or improving times. It is also about understanding that there is a history before us and that each generation adds something to the path already travelled.
The festival seeks to preserve:
- The memory of Joaquim Apolo
- The history of cycling in Almancil
- The connection between different generations
- Respect for those who helped build the sport
- The values of effort, dedication and team spirit
The 3rd edition comes to Quinta do Lago
The 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the Joaquim Apolo Festival, which this year will take place at Quinta do Lago, in a setting strongly associated with sport and outdoor activities.
Throughout the day, cycling will be at the heart of everything. Different age groups, different levels of experience and different ways of enjoying the sport will come together in an atmosphere where competition goes hand in hand with team spirit, respect between athletes and the simple pleasure of being on two wheels.
For some participants, the festival will be another opportunity to compete. For others, it may be one of their first experiences of an organised cycling event. For families, it will also be a chance to follow, support and experience more closely an important part of the young athletes’ journey.
It is this diversity that helps give the event its identity. The Joaquim Apolo Festival aims to be more than just another race on the calendar; it is a true gathering centred around cycling.
This year, we want to bring together:
- Young athletes
- Cycling schools
- Experienced cyclists
- Families
- Teams
- The local community
- Everyone who shares a passion for cycling
OFFICIAL MERCHANDISING
OFFICIAL T-SHIRT 2026
3rd Joaquim Apolo Festival
The official T-shirt for this 2026 edition. A symbol of the festival for everyone who lives and breathes cycling.
Age categories and participation
The 3rd Joaquim Apolo Festival features a broad programme designed for different ages and levels of participation.
The following categories are planned for this edition:
- Under-15 Schools
- Cadets / Under-17
- Juniors / Under-19
- Under-23
- Amateur Elites
- Masters Open
- Para-cycling
- Cycling for All
From the Under-15 category upwards, the programme will also include an individual time trial, adding a specific competitive element to the event and giving participants the opportunity to test themselves in a different format.
The variety of categories reinforces what lies at the heart of the festival: creating space for different ways of experiencing cycling and bringing together, on the same day, athletes at different stages of their journey.
From the youngest riders to the most experienced, everyone is part of the same community.
Categories represented:
- Under-15
- Under-17
- Under-19
- Under-23
- Amateur Elites
- Masters
- Para-cycling
- Cycling for All
- Individual time trial from
- Under-15 upwards
Do you have a helmet and a bicycle?
Sometimes, getting started is simpler than it seems.
A bicycle, a helmet and the desire to ride can be enough to discover a sport that, over time, may grow into a true passion.
The Joaquim Apolo Festival also aims to keep that door open. We do not want cycling to be seen only as a competitive sport, but also as an opportunity for discovery, participation and community.
Not everyone arrives with the same goals. Some want to compete, others want to try cycling for the first time, while others simply want to support family and friends. What matters is creating an environment where everyone feels part of the event.
Participation is free, and a participation souvenir is included, as stated on the official poster for the 2026 edition.
To take part:
- Bring your bicycle
- Always wear a helmet
- Come ready to ride
- Free participation
- Participation souvenir included
More than just a race
More than competing:
- Learn
- Connect
- Support
- Respect
- Share
- Create memories
- Celebrate cycling
A race measures times, positions and results.
A festival can do much more than that.
It can bring people together, create memories and introduce the sport to those who are just starting out, while strengthening the connection between athletes, families, coaches and the wider community.
That is the vision behind the Joaquim Apolo Festival.
Competition is part of the event, but it does not define everything that happens throughout the day. There is also a human, educational and community dimension that we want to continue to value.
For the S.R. Almancilense Cycling School, every event is also an extension of the work carried out throughout the season. The values learned in training — respect, discipline, mutual support, perseverance and team spirit — should also be present beyond the training sessions.
And when athletes of different ages share the same space and the same passion, cycling takes on an even greater meaning.
Be part of this story
The Joaquim Apolo Festival was created to honour an important figure in Algarve cycling, but its true meaning also lies in what it can help build for the future.
Every young rider who starts cycling, every athlete who learns to compete with respect, every family that supports this journey and every person who becomes involved in the sport helps keep the culture of cycling alive in Almancil and across the Algarve.
This is how memory becomes continuity.
On 1 December 2026, we will meet at Quinta do Lago for another edition of the Joaquim Apolo Festival.
- To compete.
- To learn.
- To support.
- To connect.
- And, above all, to keep riding together.
1 DECEMBER 2026
QUINTA DO LAGO
Come and be part of the 3rd Joaquim Apolo Festival.
1 DECEMBER 2026 · QUINTA DO LAGO
3rd JOAQUIM APOLO FESTIVAL
COME AND BE PART OF THIS STORY
A day to celebrate cycling, honour a legacy and continue building the future on two wheels.