Climbing
the Pico de Veleta is one of the great cycling challenges in Europe. The
mountain is the third highest peak in Spain, and also the highest paved road in
Europe. It perhaps lacks the fame of Tourmalet,
Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez; but Veleta is longer and tougher than all of
them.
Veleta
is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalucia,
with the climb beginning in the city of Granada. The
summit is at 3395 metres, and the total altitude gained during the climb is
2700m - more than twice the ascent of Tourmalet!
The
length of the climb is a huge 43 kilometres, giving an average gradient of
6.5%. Unfortunately, however, it is not a smooth 6.5% the whole way up; the
last 8km average over 8%. By this stage, the air is getting quite thin and you
will get that burning feeling in your lungs. The surface also deteriorates a
bit the closer you get to the top, adding to the extra effortin the later
stages.
Alternative
Route
The
main route takes the A395 all the way up to the service point at 2700m, after
which the road turns into more of a track (but still passable by road bike).
However, our favourite route goes instead through the town of Monachil, a bit
further south of the A395. The first few kilometres are a lot tougher this way,
with sections at 14%, 15% and 17%, but the scenery is fantastic and there is
almost no traffic on the road.
When to
do it
Do not
try to do this in summer - it is a beast of a climb and with the heat it will
not be at all enjoyable. From November until April there is likely to be some
snow near the top which means that you will probably only be able to get as far
as the service road at 2700m (which is a hard enough climb!); also, during
these months, the A395 up to the ski village of Pradollano (at 2100m) can get
fairly busy with cars.
May,
early June, late September and October are the best months to tackle the climb.
There is less traffic and the top should be free from snow - just remember to
take a jacket because you can still get cold on a 40km descent even if it seems
nice and warm!
You
will rarely get the chance to go so high on a bike, so make sure you ignore the
pain and enjoy the amazing views - including the city of Granada.