The Sociedade Recreativa Almancilense has had its application to the Portuguese Olympic Committee approved to develop and strengthen women’s cycling in Almancil.
The project “Ride Like a Champion – Women’s Cycling Development Programme in Almancil” was selected under Measure III.2 – Increasing Opportunities for Women’s Participation in Sport, promoted by the Portuguese Olympic Committee, and runs from May to December 2026.
In a sport still strongly dominated by men, the Almancilense Cycling School is already showing a different reality. Of its 19 registered young athletes, 12 are girls, representing around 63% of the team, in a group that also includes six nationalities.
With this support, the school aims to strengthen the work already being done, create better conditions for its current athletes and open the door to at least 10 new female riders.
“This support from the Portuguese Olympic Committee recognises the work our athletes have been doing. Every girl has a place here to ride, learn and compete.”
Elisabeta Necker
Sports Director, Almancilense Cycling School
Better conditions to ride, learn and improve
The project includes a range of measures designed to reduce barriers to participation and create better conditions for more girls to discover and develop through cycling.
Planned initiatives include:
- free training sessions on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, for a total of 48 technical sessions;
- access to bicycles and technical equipment, including helmets, gloves, reflective vests, lights, jerseys and cycling shorts;
- female mentoring sessions with role models from the sport;
- an Equality and Inclusion Workshop;
- participation in the Joaquim Apolo Cycling Festival on 1 December 2026, as the closing event and public presentation of the work developed.
A cycling school without barriers to entry
Almancilense Cycling School operates free of charge and is based at EB 2,3 Dr. António de Sousa Agostinho in Almancil, helping to bring cycling closer to children and young people in the community, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The team also includes registered para-cyclists and benefits from the active involvement of mothers and other family members in its activities, reinforcing an inclusive approach that is closely connected to the local community.
The goal is simple: to create the right conditions for more young people to try cycling, learn and continue in the sport, without access to equipment or associated costs becoming a barrier.
The next step is to get more girls cycling
The support of the Portuguese Olympic Committee represents an important step forward for the growth of women’s cycling in Almancil, but the true impact of this project will be measured by the opportunities it creates.
Every new rider who gives cycling a try, learns and gains confidence on the bike is another reason to keep investing in this journey.
At Almancilense Cycling School, we want every girl who wants to ride to find a place where she can start, improve and feel that she belongs.
Want to ride with us?
