From the Matsaria neighborhood in Eibar (397 ft / 121 m) to the top of Arrate (1,906 ft / 581 m) it is 3.4 miles (5.5 km) at an average of 8.4%: 1,509 ft (460 m) of climbing. Altimetrias.net gives 5.5 km and 460 m, and Climbfinder 5.6 km and 466 m, with the worst 100 m (330 ft) at 19.7%. CyclingCols puts the maximum at 20%.
Arrate has a classic climb on a wide road, about 4 miles (6.4 km) at 7%, and this variant via Matsaria, shorter and much harder. This page covers Matsaria.
What the climb is like
The start is behind the Eibar train station, next to the municipal tow lot; you get there from the bypass exit signed for Matxaria. The first kilometer is on a wide paved road. Then you turn onto a narrow track, once concrete and now paved, where you find kilometers two and three, close to 15% on average and hardly ever below 13%. At the start of the fourth kilometer there is a short breather, and for the last mile or so (1.5 km) you join the classic road, wide and in good condition, up to the sanctuary. There are about ten hairpins and more open stretches than on the classic climb, with good views over Eibar.
Its history
Arrate is a classic finish in Basque races. According to CyclingCols, the Vuelta a España finished at the top in 2012 and 2020, and in the 1970s Agustín Tamames crested it first twice.
When to go, water and traffic
All year: the altitude is low. In the rain, the 15% ramps and the old concrete call for a lot of care on the way down. There is no traffic on the track and plenty of shade. We found no fountains: leave Eibar with water.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you climb at about 6.5 mph (10.5 km/h) on average, but on kilometers two and three you will be doing 3.7-4.3 mph (6-7 km/h). On a 34x32 you would be pedaling under 50 rpm there; if you do not go past 3 W/kg, a 34x34 is better. Compare your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Start easy: the first kilometer looks easy and what comes next is not.
- Descend by the classic road, which is wider and safer than the Matsaria track.
- If you want more, the area has Urkiola and other steep walls in Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Arrate via Matsaria?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 32 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 38 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.
What is the difference between the classic Arrate climb and Matsaria?
The classic climb from Eibar is about 4 miles (6.4 km) at 7% (altimetrias.net). The Matsaria route is almost a kilometer shorter and much harder: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) at 8.4%, with the second and third kilometers close to 15%.
What gearing do you need for Arrate via Matsaria?
A 34x32 or 34x34. On the 15% section, at 3 W/kg, you ride about 3.7 mph (6 km/h), which on a 34x32 is under 50 rpm.