Minas Gerais city, host of the 28th edition of Iron Biker Brazil, consolidates itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for adventure tourism in the country
The municipality of Mariana, in Minas Gerais, has established itself as one of the most sought-after destinations for mountain biking. In November, the city hosted the 28th edition of Iron Biker Brazil, considered the biggest event of the modality in Latin America.
Traditional in the calendar of the historic city, the sporting event attracted approximately 1,300 cyclists from different locations this year. According to the organizers, in all, around 4,000 people passed through the city between November 12 and 14. The competition also stimulated the economic side of the city. On average, R$ 8 million are moved at each edition of Iron Biker, which has taken place in Mariana since 2013.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was not held in 2020, but the pause in the disputes did not discourage competitors and visitors, who attended to crown the municipality of Minas Gerais as one of the main destinations for adventure tourism.
In the days that involved the competition, participants and visitors had the opportunity to get to know Mariana’s unique features in its historic streets, houses and churches of Baroque architecture. The races also revealed to the public, in addition to the skill of the cyclists, the waterfalls, preserved landscapes and historic districts that were part of the circuit.
Strengthened tourist potential
Even after the competition ended, many visitors took advantage of the trails to venture into the city, which is part of the Ouro and Estrada Real circuits.
To promote Mariana as a tourist destination and strengthen the necessary structure for visitors, the Renova Foundation supports initiatives such as Iron Biker Brazil, in addition to investing in civil infrastructure and training for professionals in the sector.
The restoration of Band House, which began in September 2021, and the Monsenhor Horta District Railway Station, which begins early next year, preserves the district’s historical and cultural memory. At the municipal headquarters, the Gomes Freire square was reopened in July this year, after undergoing a revitalization that brought improvements in accessibility, lighting and landscaping for Mariana locals and tourists.
In addition, a Local Productive Tourism Arrangement is being formed with representatives of the tourism trade and culture, which will propose actions and improvements for the sector in the municipality.
In all, 22 projects in areas such as culture, sport and tourism were also selected by the Doce RFP to receive a total of R$ 1.5 million, including the Circovolante and the Teatro Navegante, nationally recognized and responsible for attracting visitors to the city. As part of Doce River Impulse, another ongoing initiative, 230 ideas and businesses from segments that include tourism will be selected to participate for six months in collective training, individualized assistance, mentoring and personalized advice for each type of business.