Congratulations to Kenneth Lamont for setting a new WUCA Portugal N-S record in the following categories: Male 18-49, Standard Upright Bike. This is also a new Guinness Record as certified by WUCA.
Rider’s Narrative Summary
Record Attempt: Unsupported Portugal N–S (Male)
Rider: Kenneth Lamont
Start: 08:57, April 18th
Start Location: Small square in Cevide, North Portugal (42.152656, -8.197983)
Refer to Video 1 showing Cevide information board and bicycle.
End: 15:50, April 20th
End Location: Monumento a Ferreira de Almeida, Faro (pictured)
(see 1st pic above)
Motivation
This ride was the first of four planned WUCA world record attempts in 2025, undertaken as part of my preparation for the 2025 Transcontinental Race. I also used this opportunity to raise funds for a Down Syndrome charity, inspired by my brother, who has Down Syndrome.
Preparation
I flew from London to Porto, then took the only available bus (that allowed boxed bikes) to Monção. Due to logistical constraints—namely, a large cardboard bike box and closed restaurants -I opted to taxi to accommodation in O Freixo, Spain, just across the river from Cevide. (Receipts and contact details are available.)
(Empty bike box used to transport bike from London)
After sourcing a minimal evening meal (one sandwich from a local pub), I returned to my accommodation, prepped my bike, and reviewed weather forecasts—heavy rain was predicted for the next 48 hours. Despite initial concerns, I chose to proceed and reassess in the morning.
Equipment
- Bike: Ribble Allroad Ti Pro, Ultegra Di2.
- Storage: Tailfin frame bags
- Pedals: SPD (opted for comfort while riding)
- Hydration: Large bottles with droppers for extended range (me with bike in Cevide)
- GPS Devices: Wahoo Elemnt Roam, Spot Gen4 (inoperative due to incompatible batteries), Google Pixel phone with Komoot
(kit laid out at home before trip)
Weather and Route
The ride began two hours later than planned due to severe weather warnings. Originally, I had mapped a more direct southerly route via Braga but ultimately opted for a coastal path to reduce elevation gain, then considered an inland path due to wind exposure before continuing with the coastal route – but prepared to pivot inland if required.
(weather at start – which continued)
After trekking through flooded footpaths to reach the Cevide start point, I began at 08:57 on April 18. The start was bumpy—I left my phone behind and had to double back after adjusting my saddle twice.
Day 1 Highlights
- Breakfast: Protein/date bars
- Route: Passed through Monção, stopped at Lidl in Valença (€17.88 on food – multiple precooked mini pizzas did the trick nicely)
(A picture for my friend Lara while passing through Monção again)
(a brief dry spell, but windy along the coast)
(My bike on bridge on route)
- Midday Weather: Very wet, strong winds in places
- Notable Stop: Dinner at Está nas Brasas (local lamb) outside Porto
(Menu at Está nas Brasas)
- Challenges: Dangerous city riding in Porto (wet cobbles, steep streets). I deviated from my originally planned route towards the end of the day because this portion of the ride had a very short ferry – and I wasn’t sure if this would be permitted for the WR attempt to decided to take another in-land route instead.
- Charging issues: Wahoo Roam and Di2 drivetrain battery both died—was left with one gear and just my phone
I reached Figueira da Foz at 04:07 on April 19 and stayed at a budget hotel (Hotel B+B) with sewage issues (it was unpleasant but I would have splet though a hurricane at that point). Despite exhaustion, I managed 4 hours of sleep and charged my Di2. (Taking full advantage of the breakfast buffet at Hotel B+B)
(Bike ready to go after a few hours sleep in hotel)
Day 2 Challenges
- Late Start: Departed around 10:40 AM
- Terrain: Steeper climbs; tougher day overall
- Resupply Stops: Bristanorte Pastelaria (Leiria), Pingo Doce (Minde), pizza in Almeirim, late-night bar for snacks/phone charge
- Critical Moment: Phone and power bank failed due to moisture; down to just the Wahoo Roam
(my phone stopped charging – which left me without good maps)
Fatigue set in hard during the night. A short 5-minute nap under a tree near Aljustrel helped me push on. I resupplied at a petrol station in town with greasy spoon burger and coca cola and recharged my Wahoo.
Final Push
The final mountain section was brutal—sharp ascents and descents. In my exhausted state, I prematurely stopped tracking, mistakenly thinking I had reached Faro. After some confusion and mild panic as I got lost in and around a retail park, I resumed my route using last battery reserves.
The Wahoo Roam died near Parque da Cidades, roughly a flat, fast 10km from Faro. I reached the end location (Monumento a Ferreira de Almeida) and asked a passerby for the time—15:50.
Post-Finish Documentation
- I rested (read sat dazed staring into space trying not to fall asleep) at Chelsea Pizzeria/restaurant (attempted to charge my phone (unsuccessfully) using an outside socket before giving it to be charged inside – and moved to a nearby hotel to sleep
- Google Maps Timeline confirms my phone turned on at 16:38. And my card statement corroborates my movements – albeit with a slight delay customary with banking time stamps.
- Witness statements were collected from Nelson (pizzeria waiter) who confirms I arrived close to 4pm and the hotel receptionist the next day who confirms I checked in there just before 5pm.
- I returned to the monument the next day to take a photo with the Portuguese flag (first photo).
Reflections
The ride through Portugal’s beautiful, peaceful backroads was a highlight—especially at night with little to no traffic. Acts of support from strangers provided morale boosts.
I cycled past a woman wearing a Scotland branded fleece – and shouted “Ecosse” and she cheered back (I’m from Scotland).
Challenges included:
- Achilles tendon flare-up (now back in rehab)
- Excessive rain and equipment failures (particularly battery issues)
- Navigation problems near Faro due to device failures and fatigue
Key lessons:
- More sleep is essential for endurance and clarity
- Waterproof battery packs and better charging logistics are critical
- Always carry spare Di2 and device batteries
Despite setbacks, I’m proud of completing the journey. It tested my endurance, adaptability, and spirit, and has provided valuable lessons for future attempts.
Note on GPS Devices
- Spot Gen 4 was non-functional due to incorrect battery type (alkaline instead of lithium).
- Google Pixel provided Komoot tracking, GPS stamped photos and videos and Google Timeline data.
- Wahoo Roam captured GPS and heart rate until battery failure 10km before finish.
Both GPX files are available and support verification.