At the time of writing this article, the Volta a Catalunya is in full swing. These weeks we are somewhat in the Spanish spheres, because of the articles surrounding Tenerife and Gran Canaria (The last part of which will also follow soon!) We asked Gerard from CBT about the 5 most beautiful climbs in Catalonia and the list certainly does not disappoint. Want to know where to go for a nice stretch of cycling in the Catalan country? Then include these climbs in your next cycling holiday. Also check out our Girona Collection on komoot!.
Vallter 2000
This junction has never been included in the Vuelta or the Tour. A shame, you might say. The climb to the ski station (there is something about 2000, like Isola 2000), takes you to an altitude of 2156 metres. It is a climb with a very long run-up, totalling over 22 kilometres. The first section is fairly easy, with gradients below five per cent. But just over halfway, the most difficult part starts. At 10 kilometres below the summit, you start the toughest part. You have over 10% of gradient in front of your feet for a kilometre here, with an outlier to 12%. Anyway, you're climbing above 8% for this entire stretch and you're really going to feel it. It's a kind of Passo Giau with a great run-up. The finish, with its near-perfect hairpins is pure enjoyment. Just before that, you've had some relief with lower gradients.
Route Vallter 2000
La Creueta
Close to the border between Spain and France is the Coll de la Creueta. The summit is at an altitude of 1916 metres above sea level. Until 2000, the Vuelta regularly arrived here, but since then this monster climb has been somewhat ignored. Rightly so? Actually no. Whether you attack it from the north (over 20 kilometres of climbing) or from the south (almost 30 kilometres long), you have a wonderful challenge ahead of you. Also one in which the gradients peak considerably. In a race for the pros, that's a big deal. If you have an even climb, you don't get much spectacle. The south side of this climb is quite irregular. There are several variants, but each one has its own irregularity.
Route Coll de la Creueta
Turó de L'Home
Up in 25 kilometres at an average rate of 5.9%. That does not tell the whole story of this magnificent climb. The first 5 kilometres are for 'warming up'. After that, the real work begins. You start on a beautiful wide road, but eventually end up on a relatively steep goat path. It has to be said: the views are stunning. The dessert of this climb is the last 6 kilometres, where you average above 8% and you regularly see 'double digits' again. Like many climbs in this area, there is little regularity. But that view. That makes up for a lot!
Route Turó de l'Home
Sant Grau
This climb is particularly stunning for its location, close to the sea. In 6.2 kilometres you climb to an altitude of 471 metres. So, with an average gradient of 5.7 per cent, this is not a mean calf bite. Still, the views and beautiful hairpin bends will amaze you. Plus you can combine this nicely with a nice drink afterwards! If you are staying in one of the coastal towns, you can also combine the climb with a walk over the Romanya de la Selva. Not an unkind pimple either. Enjoy!
Route Sant Grau
Rocacorba
Our article on Girona already mentioned this climb. What a magnificent monster this is, rightfully a Catalunya gem. This is the training climb of Girona and its surroundings. It starts quietly at first and the section of false flat really feels like false flat. Then it goes up with solid gradients, with you regularly on the 10 per cent or more mark. The climb has become known to many by David Millar, who has given the climb a new status with his Rocacorba Cycling Club. Most members of this invite-only club count on age +10 minutes for a good time. In good shape, pros ride it around half an hour.
Route Rocacorba
Any more tips?
The 5 most beautiful climbs in Catalonia are, of course, arbitrary. Do you have any additional tips? Let us know!
