Pico de veleta, one of the great cycling challenges in Europe. The third highest peak in Spain on the highest paved road in Europe! Europe’s highest and longest road bike ascent. (2430m)
Going from glorious sunshine to freezing temperatures in just a few kilometres riding into the thin air, one for the cyclists bucket list!
May 11th was Cycle Malaga’s first attempt of the year to make it to the top of cycle Pico del Veleta in Granada. The ski season is only just over and there was heavy snow in the area just a few weeks ago so it was always going to be a challenge.
The forecast looked great, unusually warm weather with a maximum temperature at the top (3300metres) of 12 degrees.
On the excursion were Jørgen & Kristine from Norway who were visiting the area on a long weekend break. They have already conquered the 3 routes of Mont Ventoux in a charity event and chose Pico del Veleta as their next challenge.
Steve Twiselton owner of Cycle Malaga and experienced cyclist collected the guests from their accommodation in Nerja and drove to the village of Güéjar Sierra. From here they headed first towards the first well known narrow shady climb of El Duque. When they arrived at the bottom of El Duque they met some Spanish Cyclists that told Steve a farmer was moving a herd of bulls up towards Sierra Nevada and that they would have to go a different route as it was impossible to pass. The Spanish Cyclists suggested “Alto de Haza Llanas” a section of road used in stage 15 of the Vuelta a España 2017. Although shorter than El Duque, it’s a lot steeper. The first sign on the hill said 22%! This 5 kilometre section of the road was the toughest part of the day.
From here they cycled up through the pine forest towards Pradallano and then made the left turn up towards Hoya del Moya. This was where Stage 15 of the Vuelta a España 2017 finished. At 2500 metres it has stunning views over the Ski resort of Pradollano and towards Granada.
From Hoya del Moya its only 11k to Pico del Veleta. It started well the road was completely clear of snow for the first 3 kilometres. On the 4th kilometre they had to get off the bikes a couple of times to cross some small patches of snow. However, as they continued on the patches of snow started to get wider, deeper and more frequent. They passed a couple of Spanish cyclists on their way down and they said they had just turned around as the snow was too deep. Steve, Jorgen and Kristine decided to continue on and see for their selves. After 500 metres the road was completely covered so it was time to turn back.
In the end the snow won and they stopped 6 Kilometres short of the top. It was a great excursion with some stunning photo opportunities.
Thank-you to Jørgen & Kristine. Jorgen and Kristine were great company and now they have the perfect excuse to return, as they still need to take that last photo on top of Pico del Veleta!
Published in the June 2019 Edition of The Grapevine Magazine
