From the bridge over the Esla at the entrance to Sabero (3,114 ft / 949 m) to La Camperona (5,240 ft / 1,597 m) it’s 6.1 miles (9.8 km) at an average of 6.6%: 2,126 ft (648 m) of climbing. But that average is misleading: the first 4.2 miles (6.8 km) barely climb, and the last 1.9 miles (3 km), from Sotillos de Sabero, are at 13.2%.
The figures come from two sources that agree. Altimetrias.net measures the full climb at 6.1 miles (9.8 km) and 2,126 ft (648 m) (CyclingCols, from the N-625 junction, gives 6.3 miles / 10.2 km and 2,142 ft / 653 m). The final section is measured the same by CyclingCols (1.9 miles / 3 km, 1,299 ft / 396 m, 13.2%, 19.2% max) and Climbfinder (1.9 miles / 3 km, 1,312 ft / 400 m, 13.3%). The first block of the profile is the difference between the two.
What the climb is like
- Sabero to Sotillos (4.2 miles / 6.8 km, about 3.7%). A good road up the valley, through the mining villages. You can ride through the villages, as the Vuelta does, or take the CL-626 bypass: the difference is minimal.
- Sotillos to the top (1.9 miles / 3 km, 13.2%). At the Sotillos junction the road narrows to an unsigned track, repaved for the Vuelta, with five hairpins and 19% ramps. There’s no room to zigzag and you can hardly drink without stopping.
History
The Vuelta a España has finished here several times. According to CyclingCols, the winners were Ryder Hesjedal (2014), Sergey Lagutin (2016) and Óscar Rodríguez (2018). Sabero is a valley that lived off coal mining.
When to go, water and traffic
May to October. There’s no shade on the final section, so avoid the heat of the day in summer. There’s a fountain 330 ft (100 m) from the start, next to a picnic area, and two more in Sotillos (one by the church and another at the junction). There’s little traffic up to Sotillos, and almost none after that.
What gearing to use
On the final section, at 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 4.3 mph (7 km/h): with a 34x34 that’s about 55 rpm, and 52 with a 34x32. If you’re below 3 W/kg, consider a small gravel or MTB chainring. Compare combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Arrive at Sotillos fresh and with full bottles: what matters is the last 1.9 miles (3 km).
- If you have to put a foot down, do it on a hairpin: on the straights it’s very hard to get going again.
- Descend slowly: the track is narrow and the grade very steep.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb La Camperona?
From Sabero, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 47 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 55 min at 2.5 W/kg and 37 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How long is the steep part of La Camperona?
About 1.9 miles (3 km) from the Sotillos de Sabero junction: 1,299 ft (396 m) of climbing at 13.2% according to CyclingCols (Climbfinder gives 1,312 ft / 400 m and 13.3%), with 19% ramps.
What gearing do you need for La Camperona?
A 34x32 at minimum, and a 34x34 is better. At 3 W/kg you'll ride about 4.3 mph (7 km/h) on the final section; with a 34x34 that's about 55 rpm.