PICO DEL VELETA – A FLYING VISIT

On this two night visit to Granada you will conquer the third highest peak in Spain, on the highest paved road in Europe! At the same time you will also complete Europe’s highest and longest road bike ascent. (2430m) You will ride from glorious sunshine to freezing temperatures in just a few kilometres whilst riding into the thin air. It is one for the cyclists bucket list!

We will collect you from Malaga or Granada airport and drive you to a traditional  Spanish hotel in the village of Güejar Sierra which is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, in the Granada Province of Andalucia.  Depending on your arrival time we will go for a short to medium distance ride in the stunning countryside surrounding the base of the Sierra Nevada.

After a good nights sleep and breakfast the ascent to Pico del Veleta will begin.

First we will climb the famous hill of  “El Duque” which was featured in the Vuelta a España 2017.  The El Duque climb zig zags on a narrow tree lined road for 7 kilometres climbing just over 550 metres with elevations of up to 19%.

From the top of El Duque we will continue to climb along the pine tree lined road towards  Hoya de la Mora (2526m). This iconic quiet stretch of road climbs 858 metres over just 12.5 kilometres to Hoya de la Mora. (The finish line of Stage 15 of the Vuelta a España 2017 in Hoya de la Mora)  This is the recreation area that is used for sledging in the winter season and overlooks the popular ski resort of Pradallano.

From Hoya de la Mora we will continue cycling the last 13 kilometres on the highest paved road in Europe to Pico del Veleta (3300m). This is considered a “must do” for any serious cyclist. The road is closed to non-authorised vehicles. The last kilometre of the road is in poor condition and cyclists normally hike the last kilometre to the peak.
Don’t forget your camera & and your flag!!!  When the photos have finished we will make our way down to the Ski resort of Pradallano for lunch afterwards we will return to the hotel.

On the last morning, if time allows we will go for another short cycle ride  before returning to the airport.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

COLLECTION: You and your party will be collected from Malaga or Granada Airport.
BIKE RENTAL: A Carbon Giant Defy Race Bike with Shimano Ultegra Groupset is included for up to 72 hours from arrival time. This can be set up in advance based on your own bikes measurements.
ACCOMMODATION: 2 nights bed and breakfast in a traditional Spanish hotel.
(based on 2 sharing)
GUIDE: One of our guides will cycle with you to top of Pico del Veleta and also take you on some shorter rides if time allows.

PRICE: 499 Euros p/person based on a minimum group of 4 cyclists.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Because of heavy snowfall over the winter the challenge is only possible from the start of June until middle of October
• The weather can change extremely fast at the top. We advise that you bring a mixture of cycling clothing included some warm gloves.
• This excursion runs twice a week from June to October. Once midweek and once at the weekend, please email to see if your chosen dates are available.
• There are no discounts if you bring your own bikes.
• We strongly recommend cyclist have their own insurance.
• Only the breakfast in the hotel is included in the price. All other meals and drinks will need to be paid for separately.