From Pola de Lena (1,010 ft / 308 m) to the top of La Cobertoria (3,865 ft / 1,178 m) it is 6.2 miles (9.9 km) at an average of 8.8%: 2,854 ft (870 m) of climbing on the AS-230, the road that links the Lena valley with Quirós. The three sources we checked agree: 9.9 km and 871 m (altimetrias.net), 9.9 km and 869 m (Climbfinder), and 10 km and 861 m (CyclingCols).
What the climb is like
The road was widened and repaved a few years ago. It gained in surface and safety, but lost bends and got steeper on average: now it is long straights, with almost no shade, where the grade barely changes. The first kilometer is for warming up; from the second one the grade stays between 8 and 10% all the way up, with short pitches of 14-15%. Climbfinder counts four hairpins. This climb does not lie: the number you see on the profile is the one you suffer.
Its history
La Cobertoria is famous in the Vuelta a España mostly for its descent toward Pola de Lena, narrow and damp before the rebuild, which caused several major crashes. In races, this side is usually ridden downhill. It is very close to Gamoniteiro and the Angliru. According to CyclingCols, riders who have crested it first include Michael Storer (2021), Guillaume Martin (2020) and Geoffrey Bouchard (2019).
When to go, water and traffic
Spring through fall. In winter there can be snow near the top, and fog is common all year. Traffic is light. Fill your bottles in Pola de Lena, because on the way up there is only the odd hamlet with a fountain.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you climb at about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on average: with a 34x30 that is about 71 rpm, and with a 34x32, 75. If you are short on watts, do not go harder than a 34x32. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Start at a pace you can hold for an hour: there is nowhere to recover.
- From the top you can link up with Gamoniteiro: the two together make for a tough day.
- If you descend it in the wet, take it very slowly: the rebuild made it safer, not foolproof.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb La Cobertoria?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 59 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 hr 10 min at 2.5 W/kg and 45 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the hardest side of La Cobertoria?
The Pola de Lena side: 6.2 miles (9.9 km) at 8.8%. The Santa Marina (Quirós) side is similar, 5 miles (8 km) at 8.75%, and the one from Caranga is much longer and easier.
What gearing do you need for La Cobertoria?
At least a 34x30. At 3 W/kg you climb at about 6.2 mph (10 km/h), which on that cog is about 71 rpm; with less power, a 34x32 is better.