What is Sertões MTB Ibitipoca?

A 3-day cross-country marathon (XCM) mountain-bike stage race held every September at Ibiti Projeto, a 6,000-hectare private reserve in Lima Duarte, Minas Gerais. It is the third and deciding round of the Sertões MTB Cup.

When is the 2026 edition?

September 17–19, 2026 (Thursday prologue, Friday queen stage, Saturday closing stage). Confirm the exact schedule on bike.sertoes.com.br.

How long are the stages?

Roughly 21 km / 1,000 m gain for the prologue, 42 km / 1,700 m gain for the queen stage, and a shorter closing stage on Saturday. Total ~100 km across the weekend, with stages typically 37–45 km each on day two and three.

What categories are offered?

22+ categories including Solo (Pro Elite M/F, Solo F, Solo 30, Master 45, Grand Master 55, PCD Pro, Pro Junior), Dupla (up to 80 kg, 80+ kg, Mixed), plus one of Brazil's largest e-bike brackets (Elite M/F, age-based classes, Super Light, Open, Power, Nelore 100 kg+, Dupla Mista, Junior).

Online via TicketSports: ticketsports.com.br/e/sertoes-mtb-2026-74655 or through the organizer at bike.sertoes.com.br. First-lot pricing is discounted; registration closes early September 2026. Payment by credit card (up to 6x), boleto or Pix.

How much does it cost?

Confirm current tiered pricing on TicketSports — first-lot promotional pricing is available early and increases through the year. Solo and Dupla entries are priced separately from e-bike entries.

How many carbs per hour should I target?

60–90 g/hr on stages under 2 hours; 80–100 g/hr on the queen stage. Trained guts can push toward 120 g/hr on the sustained climb.

How much should I drink?

500–800 ml/hr per stage. Cool mornings mask sweat losses — drink to the clock, not to thirst.

How many aid stations per stage?

Typically 1–2 official aid points per stage, plus the Vila Sertões finish area. Confirm exact locations in the current Manual do Ciclista.

What bike should I use?

A modern XC or short-travel trail hardtail or full-suspension (100–120 mm front travel) with dropper post. Full-suspension is a comfort advantage on rocky descents; hardtails are faster on the climbs.

What tires and pressure?

Fast-rolling XC/marathon tires 2.25–2.35" tubeless with reinforced casings. Typical pressures for a 70–80 kg rider: 18–22 psi front, 20–24 psi rear. Drop 2–3 psi for the sandy sections.

How should I pace the queen stage?

Ride the first 25 km at ~75–82% of FTP or upper Zone 2 HR, save legs for the 15 km sustained climb that starts mid-stage, then descend within your skills. Force one full bottle and 60 g of carbs before the climb starts.

What is the weather like?

Mid-September at ~900–1,600 m altitude in Minas Gerais: 8–14 °C at the start, 22–28 °C mid-day, low humidity, high UV, minimal rain in the dry season. Cool descents into shaded singletrack still bite — carry a packable vest for the prologue and queen stage.

Do I need altitude preparation?

The Ibitipoca region sits under 1,700 m — full altitude prep is not required for sea-level riders, but expect a mild first-day performance dip. Arrive at least 24 hours before the prologue.

The reserve offers three lodging tiers: Remote (isolated cabins), Engenho (rustic-comfort) and Ibiti Village (community-style). Off-reserve options exist in Conceição do Ibitipoca village (~30–45 min drive). Book 3–6 months in advance — the event fills quickly.

How do I get to Ibiti Projeto?

Fly to Belo Horizonte (CNF) — ~3.5 hours by car via BR-040 — or Rio de Janeiro (GIG) — ~4.5 hours via BR-040/BR-267. Rental car is the practical option. Last 20 km approach includes unpaved road; any vehicle works in dry season.

Is there a non-competitive option?

Yes — a ~20 km guided 'Turismo' ride was introduced in 2025 for recreational riders wanting the reserve experience without a race number.

Can I race solo my first stage race?

Yes — the Solo categories (Solo Feminino, Solo 30, Master 45, etc.) are the entry point for most first-timers. Dupla categories add tactical complexity and require a trained partner.

How does the Sertões MTB Cup work?

The Cup is a 2-round championship (Nova Lima in May + Ibitipoca in September) with points across both events. Ibitipoca is the deciding round for overall Cup standings in each category.

What is the 'Caminho de Gigantes'?

A signature trail segment that passes the 'Big Family' — large iron/steel sculptures relocated from the Burning Man festival to Ibiti Projeto. It is typically reached after the day's highest point via a scenic descent.

What is a good Sertões MTB Ibitipoca training plan?

A realistic Sertões MTB Ibitipoca training plan runs 12–16 weeks and hits four targets in parallel: aerobic volume (peak 10–14 hours/week for 8–12 weeks), threshold work (weekly 2× 20 min at 90–100% FTP), back-to-back long rides (3 h + 4 h + 3 h weekend blocks 6 and 3 weeks out) to train stage-race recovery, and technical skills on rocky + sandy terrain. Long rides progress toward 3–4 hours with 1,200–1,700 m of climbing. A 2-week taper with race-effort openers finishes the block.

Where can I download the Sertões MTB Ibitipoca course map or GPX file?

The official 2026 stages (per-stage GPX, elevation profiles and aid layout) are published by Sertões MTB in the Manual do Ciclista distributed to registered athletes a few weeks before race weekend on bike.sertoes.com.br. Do not plan checkpoint mileage or aid location off prior years — the 2026 stages may change.

Can I defer my Sertões MTB Ibitipoca entry?

Deferral and refund policies are set year-by-year by Sertões / TicketSports. Historically, a partial refund window closes 30–60 days pre-event and a limited transfer or category change may be available before published deadlines, subject to a fee. Always confirm the current-year policy in the registration terms on ticketsports.com.br or bike.sertoes.com.br — informal or late-request deferrals are not granted.

Do I need to qualify or enter a lottery for Sertões MTB Ibitipoca?

No. Sertões MTB Ibitipoca is open registration — there is no lottery, no qualifier race series, and no prior-finish requirement to enter. Register directly on ticketsports.com.br subject only to spot availability and category quotas. First-lot pricing is discounted; registering early saves versus late lots.

Sertões MTB Ibitipoca Race-Day Checklist — Fueling, Kit & Execution

Sertões MTB Ibitipoca race-day checklist

A minimal execution checklist. Every line should be rehearsed in training, not tried for the first time on race day.

Bottles pre-mixed with target carbohydrate and sodium concentration
Backup calories (gels or chews) equal to 30–50% of planned intake
Caffeine doses pre-portioned and timed
Drop bag / aid plan with bottle swaps written down
Pre-race breakfast rehearsed in training
Layering plan for start-line temperature
Sunscreen, chamois cream and any GI insurance (e.g., anti-nausea)
Post-race recovery calories staged at the finish

Packing list

Bike

Race bike (fully serviced 2 weeks out)
Dropper post
Bottle cage + hydration pack
Computer + fresh mount
Fresh brake pads + spare set

Nutrition

Gels / chews / drink mix for 3 stages + 30% buffer
Six caffeine doses (2 per day × 3)
Pre-stage breakfast supplies for all 3 mornings
Recovery drink + real meal for each finish

Hydration

One 25 fl oz bottle + 51–68 fl oz hydration pack
Electrolyte mix rehearsed in training (600–800 mg Na/L)

Clothing

3× jersey + bibs (one per stage)
Arm warmers
Packable vest
Full-finger gloves
Warm layer for finish tent
Casual clothes for evenings

Weather gear

Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lip balm with SPF
Clear + tinted eyewear

Tools & spares

2× CO2 + inflator
Mini pump
Tire plug kit
Spare tube
Multi-tool with chain breaker
Chain quick link
Spare derailleur hanger
Chain lube + rag
Torque wrench

Documents & logistics

Manual do Ciclista printout
Race number + timing chip
RG or passport
Lodging + Ibiti Projeto address printed

Download the free printable race-day fueling checklist for Sertões MTB Ibitipoca

A practical race-week checklist: carbs, hydration, sodium, caffeine and race-day supplies — print it or keep it on your phone.

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Frequently asked questions

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Every athlete is different. FTP, finish time, body weight, sweat rate, weather, nutrition preferences and race goals all change what you should eat and drink.

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A Race Fueling Plan gives you a personalized strategy for this event. The free checklist helps you prepare the basics first: race-week setup, 48-hour prep, race morning, hydration, sodium, caffeine, aid stations, and backup calories.

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Sertões MTB Ibitipoca — Race-Day Checklist

Sertões MTB Ibitipoca race-day checklist

Packing list