From downtown Oviedo to Pico del Paisano on Monte Naranco (2,080 ft / 634 m) it is 4.2 miles (6.8 km) at an average of 6.2%: 1,385 ft (422 m) of climbing according to Climbfinder. CyclingCols gives 6.8 km and 425 m, with a maximum of 14.5%; altimetrias.net gives 6.73 km and 400 m (5.9%), because it subtracts a short descent near the end.
What the climb is like
The profile starts right in the city, on Calle Ramiro I, at the junction signed for the traffic department (Jefatura de Tráfico). The road is wide, in perfect condition and fully signed as far as the RTVE facilities, where races usually finish. The grade hovers around 6% with a few steeper kicks; Climbfinder counts eight hairpins. Past the finish area the road narrows, the signs stop and, after a short descent, it climbs to the summit next to the Sacred Heart monument. There is shade on the middle section and little elsewhere. From the top you can see all of Oviedo and, on clear days, the Cantabrian Mountains.
On the lower slopes are Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, two gems of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture: they are worth a stop.
Its history
The Naranco is a regular finish for races passing through Oviedo. CyclingCols counts 14 Vuelta a España appearances, with Laurent Jalabert (1995), Joaquim Rodríguez (2013) and David de la Cruz (2016) among the riders first to the top.
When to go, water and traffic
All year: it is Oviedo’s own mountain and tops out at 2,080 ft (634 m). Traffic is light and thins out as you climb; on weekends you will find lots of cyclists and people walking. There are only two fountains, both near the top: in the picnic area meadow past the El Tarangu monument, and another at the end of the short descent.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you climb at about 8.4 mph (13.5 km/h) on average: with a 34x28 that is about 88 rpm. The 14% pitches are short, so you do not need anything special for them. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- It is a good climb for intervals: riding it several times makes a short, complete workout.
- Time yourself to the RTVE area if you want to compare with race finishes.
- For a really hard day, the Angliru and Gamoniteiro are close to Oviedo.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Naranco?
From Oviedo, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 30 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 36 min at 2.5 W/kg and 24 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where is the race finish on the Naranco?
Races usually finish next to the RTVE broadcasting facilities, before the summit. From there the road narrows and continues to Pico del Paisano, at 2,080 ft (634 m).
What gearing do you need for the Naranco?
A 34x28 is enough. At 3 W/kg you climb at about 8.4 mph (13.5 km/h) on average, which on that gear is about 88 rpm; the 14% pitches are short.