From Puerto de Navacerrada (6,096 ft / 1,858 m) to the Bola del Mundo (7,408 ft / 2,258 m) it is 2 miles (3.2 km) at an average of 12.5% with 1,316 ft (401 m) of climbing. It is short, but it is one of the steepest climbs in Spain: the last kilometer has ramps of up to 23%.
What the climb is like
It is not a road but a service track to the antennas at the top, narrow and with concrete sections. It leaves the parking lot at the pass and gives no respite: the average is already 12%, and the hardest part is packed into the last kilometer. The top is a dead end next to the antennas, at 7,408 ft (2,258 m), with views over the whole range.
We measure it from Puerto de Navacerrada because that is the version almost every database uses. In races it is climbed straight after Navacerrada: at the 2025 Vuelta, the full final climb up the south side was 7.6 miles (12.3 km) at 8.6%, and from Collado Villalba it is 13.4 miles (21.6 km) at 6.3%.
We do not publish a segment profile: Wikipedia, CyclingStage and Climbfinder agree on the average (12.1-12.5%) and the maximum, but not on how it is distributed.
Its history in the Vuelta a España
It debuted in 2010: Ezequiel Mosquera crossed the line first and Vincenzo Nibali defended the lead, although Mosquera’s result in that Vuelta was later stripped after a positive test. In 2012 Denis Menchov won, and Alberto Contador defended the red jersey against Joaquim Rodríguez. In 2025, on the penultimate stage, Jonas Vingegaard attacked in the last kilometer and finished 11 seconds ahead of Sepp Kuss: that sealed the Vuelta.
The name comes from a Spanish TV show, after the antennas at the top.
When to go, water and traffic
The track is above 5,900 ft (1,800 m), so from late fall to spring there is usually snow or ice. Go from June to October and check the forecast: it is much colder and windier at the top than in Madrid. There is no water on the climb; fill your bottles at Puerto de Navacerrada. No cars use it, but there are hikers.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilogram of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you ride about 4.7 mph (7.6 km/h) on 12% and under 3.1 mph (5 km/h) on 20%. On a 34x34 you would be pedaling at about 37 rpm on the 20% ramps: just enough to avoid standing the whole time. With less power, a 32x36 or lower. Do the math with your drivetrain in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Climb it on fresh legs or straight after Navacerrada, but know that the hard part comes at the end.
- On wet concrete the rear wheel slips: stay seated on the steep ramps.
- Descend slowly: the track is narrow and there are people walking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Bola del Mundo from Navacerrada?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 26 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 31 min at 2.5 W/kg and 20 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Can you drive up the Bola del Mundo?
It is not open to general traffic: it is a narrow service road leading to the TV antennas at the top.
How many times has the Vuelta a España finished on the Bola del Mundo?
Three: in 2010, 2012 and 2025. In 2025 Jonas Vingegaard won and sealed the overall title there.
What gearing do I need for the Bola del Mundo?
At least a 34x34. The 20-23% ramps are in the last kilometer and, at 3 W/kg, you ride under 3.1 mph (5 km/h) on 20%.