The event at Pateira de Fermentelos officially launched the MXGP of Portugal in Águeda.
Local traditions and Bairrada gastronomy were in the spotlight.
On the eve of practice and qualifying for the Portuguese Grand Prix of the MXGP World Championship, several riders got a taste of Águeda’s traditions and the regional gastronomy of Bairrada. Held this Friday as the official media event to kick off the race weekend in Águeda, the gathering also offered the riders a breathtaking view over the Pateira de Fermentelos — the largest natural lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula.
The event took place at the Estalagem da Pateira and included MXGP and MX2 riders such as Ruben Fernández and Ferruccio Zanchi (Team HRC), Andrea Adamo, Lucas Coenen and Sacha Coenen (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Rick Elzinga and Karlis Reisulis (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2), Liam Everts (Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing), Kevin Brumann (MX Handel Racing), Jake Cannon and Francisco Garcia (Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki), along with Portuguese wildcards Luís Outeiro and Sandro Lobo, representing Portugal in MXGP and MX2 respectively.
It was a relaxed and cheerful occasion, with riders and teams enjoying the picturesque view of the Pateira lagoon — often referred to as the “Enchanted Lake.” The Pateira stands as a symbol of Águeda’s commitment to nature, sustainability, and quality of life.
Amid this stunning backdrop, riders got a close-up experience of Águeda’s traditions. They watched a performance by the Senhora da Saúde Folklore Group from Fermentelos, showcasing local music and traditional dances. After enjoying the show, the riders were invited to join in — and happily took part in the dancing.
They also sampled local delicacies from Águeda and the Bairrada region, such as the famous Pastéis de Águeda, Leitão da Bairrada (roast suckling pig), and a variety of regional wines and sparkling wines.
The event also highlighted the economic and tourism impact that MXGP brings to Águeda, Bairrada, and the wider Centro region. In recent years, the Águeda International Motocross Circuit has welcomed an average of 25,000 spectators during the race weekend.
After this lighthearted cultural encounter, MXGP riders will now face the iconic red dirt of the Águeda International Motocross Circuit starting Saturday, with practice, qualifying sessions, and the first races in the EMX250 and EMX125 European Championship categories.
Tickets for the MXGP of Portugal are available online via BOL and at physical sales points (Fnac, Worten, CTT, El Corte Inglés, and other usual outlets).
