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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.

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

KENA L/S JERSEY KENA L/S JERSEY
  • NEW
Disponible

KENA L/S JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Superdry
Long zip with lock
Three back pockets
Anti-slip waist band
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$238.50
ENDURANCE
JERSEYS
36427
ARAN THERMAL JERSEY ARAN THERMAL JERSEY
  • NEW
Disponible

ARAN THERMAL JERSEY

Zipper lock

Vinyl logo

Three rear pockets

Anti-slip waist band

SPF 50+ (UVA)

$238.50
ESSENTIALS
JERSEYS
52438
DENA GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER...
  • Price reduced
Last items in stock

DENA GORE-TEX WINDSTOPPER JERSEY

  • Gore-Tex Infinium Windstopper fabric
  • Three rear pockets  
  • Full length, two-way zip
  • Printed logos
  • Reflective details
  • Rear flap for protection in wet weather
  • SPF 50+ (UVA)
$328.49
PRO
JERSEYS
52421
ALDE ML ALDE L/S JERSEY
Disponible

ALDE L/S JERSEY

  • 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)
$223.50
PRO
JERSEYS
36424
TRAMA JERSEY TRAMA JERSEY
Disponible

TRAMA JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Performance
Etxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)
Long zip with lock
Three back pockets
Anti-slip waist band
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$208.50
LUX
JERSEYS
32771
MENDI JERSEY MENDI JERSEY
Disponible

MENDI JERSEY

    • Etxeondo MicroSystem Performance

    • Etxeondo MicroSystem Air

    • Mesh panels

    • Stamped vinyl

    • Long  zip with lock

    • Three back...
$253.50
PRO
JERSEYS
32767
GARA JERSEY GARA JERSEY
Disponible

GARA JERSEY

Etxeondo Microsystem Performance
Etxeondo MicroSystemAirplus SPF 30+ (UVA)
Long zip with lock
Three back pockets
Anti-slip waist band
SPF 50+ (UVA)

$208.50
ESSENTIALS
JERSEYS
32770
BIKO JERSEY BIKO JERSEY
Last items in stock

BIKO JERSEY

  • Microsystem Superdry fabric
  • Microsystem Endurance fabric
  • Full length zip with lock
  • Three back pockets
  • Non-slip waistband
  • SPF 50+ (UVA)
$148.50
ESSENTIALS
JERSEYS
32764

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MENDIA MENDIA JERSEY
  • Price reduced
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  • Etxeondo MicroSystem Performance
  • Etxeondo MicroSystem Air
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  • Anti-slip waist band
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