The best cycling holidays don’t happen by chance—they’re created by people who know Portugal’s roads, trails and hidden corners inside out. Meet André, our Head Mechanic, Guide and Fleet Coordinator, whose passion for cycling and attention to detail help make every tour run smoothly.
André cycling in Faia Brava, supporting one of our bike tours in the Douro
The man who makes sure nothing fails!
There’s a kind of rigour you only earn after fixing hundreds of bikes and realising the small details are what decide whether a tour goes smoothly or not. That’s the rigour André brings to work every day. As head mechanic, he catches problems before they happen. As a guide, he keeps that same total focus: the only thing you should have to worry about is pedalling, and he makes sure that’s exactly how it goes.
No fixed route, but an opinion on everything
Ask him his favourite route and he’ll probably just shrug: he likes riding anywhere. If pressed, he’ll say mountain biking, though he never turns down a good road or gravel ride, ideally downhill. He’s taken his bike to Madeira, the north of Mallorca, and spent a full week at the Vallnord bike park in Andorra, always chasing new terrain to explore.
Where to stop along the way
André never skips: “Pão, Café e Companhia, in Vila Nova de Milfontes” and O Camilo, in Lagos. And if you’re wondering about his bike brand of choice, it’s always the same: Specialized.
André in 30 Seconds