"Cycling is a constant challenge"

2025 13th MARCH

"Cycling is a constant challenge"

Ana Mafalda Santos, the revelation of women’s cycling in Portugal

If you draw the map of Europe with your eyes and focus on the southwest of the continent, you’ll find a land that whispers stories between its hills and coasts. Portugal, a country guided by the wind, offers an unexplored landscape in every corner, waiting to be conquered. On this journey, we’re joined by Ana Mafalda Santos (Porto, 2002), a cyclist who is starting to make a name for herself in the MTB elite category.

Ana, how did you start in cycling?

I’d point to one culprit: my father. At 3 years old, he decided to put me on a bike… and here we are!

What do you like most about MTB?

The truth is that from a very young age I tried different cycling disciplines, but MTB was always the one I liked the most because of the adrenaline of the discipline and the thrill of riding in nature.

And what attracts you to cycling?

The freedom, the constant challenges, and being able to visit different parts of the world by bike. It’s amazing.

How is cycling in Portugal?

Unfortunately, cycling in Portugal is not very good. We don’t have much support or help to allow the sport to evolve in my country. Also, we need more women competing.

WHAT ATTRACTS ME ABOUT MTB IS THE ADRENALINE AND RIDING IN NATURE

Do you have any ritual before a race?

Yes, I do! I need time to put on my makeup while watching a video on YouTube. It’s my moment. Oh! And my 'good luck charms'; I always need to wear my earrings and necklaces.

You’re 23 and have a lot ahead of you, but what moment would you highlight so far?

My 5th place in the UCI MTB World Cup in Nove Mesto na Morave and my entry into Cannondale Factory Racing.

What bike do you have, and what would you highlight about it?

The Cannondale Scalpel. I would highlight the suspension work… it’s from another planet!

Any route in Portugal to get lost on a bike?

The Paleozóico Park of Valongo is close to my house and honestly, it has many options to get lost on a bike. Then, there are all the Douro mountains, which are beautiful for riding for hours.

What is your greatest challenge?

To become a better rider. My goal for 2025 is to keep growing in the Elite category.

Ana Mafalda Santos wears the red Mendia jersey and the new black Olaia jersey in these images.

ALDE L/S JERSEY

$223.50

PRO

JERSEYS

36424

Microsystem Performance fabric Vinyl logo Full length zip with lock Free cut technology, seamless cuffs Custom neck detailing Three back pockets Green Pocket ecological pocket Reflective rear detail Non-slip waistband SPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

ALDE METALIC JERSEY

$238.50

PRO

JERSEYS

32768

Microsystem Performance fabric Vinyl logo Full length zip with lock Free cut technology, seamless cuffs Three back pockets Green Pocket ecological pocket Reflective rear detail Non-slip waistband SPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

MENDI JERSEY

$253.50

PRO

JERSEYS

32767

Etxeondo MicroSystem Performance Etxeondo MicroSystem Air Mesh panels Stamped vinyl Long zip with lock Three back pockets Anti-slip waist band Eco friendly Green pocket SPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

GARA JERSEY

$208.50

ESSENTIALS

JERSEYS

32770

Etxeondo Microsystem PerformanceEtxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)Long zip with lockThree back pocketsAnti-slip waist bandSPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

ONDAR JERSEY

$223.50

ENDURANCE

JERSEYS

32769

Microsystem Endurance fabric Full-length zip with lock Four back pockets, one packable pocket Rear reflective Non-slip waistband SPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

ALDE 110LW JERSEY

$223.50

PRO

JERSEYS

32761

Microsystem Performance LW fabric Vinyl logo Full length zip with lock Free cut technology, seamless cuffs Three back pockets Green Pocket ecological pocket Reflective rear detail Non-slip waistband SPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

BIKO JERSEY

$148.50

ESSENTIALS

JERSEYS

32764

Microsystem Superdry fabric Microsystem Endurance fabric Full length zip with lock Three back pockets Non-slip waistband SPF 50+ (UVA)

Disponible

ALDE JERSEY

$208.50

PRO

JERSEYS

32766

Disponible

BINAMIC SUIT

$523.49

PRO

JERSEYS

92461

Urraki chamoisEtxeondo MicroSystem Performance topEtxeondo PowerSystem Dinamic bottomA clean-cut leg gripper finishSeamless construction in key areasLong zip with lockVinyl logoEmbroidered logoReflective detailsThree back pocketsSPF 50+ (UVA)