From Béjar to the parking lot of the La Covatilla ski resort it’s 12.8 miles (20.6 km) at an average of 5.5%: 3,684 ft (1,123 m) of climbing, from 2,756 to 6,440 ft (840 to 1,963 m). The average is misleading: the first 9.9 miles (16 km) are gentle, and the last 2.5 miles (4 km), at 13%, decide everything.
What the climb is like
- Béjar to La Hoya. You leave on the N-630a and take the SA-100 toward El Barco de Ávila. Moderate grades, a wide road (20 ft / 6 m) and good pavement.
- La Hoya to the ski resort. From the cattle fence above La Hoya, on the resort access road (DSA-180), the grade rises to a sustained 13%, with peaks above 15%. There’s no shade and no shelter from the wind.
The finish is at the resort parking lot, at 6,440 ft (1,963 m). The 7,743 ft (2,360 m) that Wikipedia gives is the elevation of the ski lifts, not the road.
A note on the numbers
The length varies a lot depending on where each source starts in Béjar: altimetrias.net gives 12.8 miles (20.6 km) and 3,684 ft (1,123 m); CyclingCols, 13.0 miles (21 km) and 3,737 ft (1,139 m); Climbfinder, 11.1 miles (17.9 km) and 3,504 ft (1,068 m). We use altimetrias.net, which documents its starting point and comes close to CyclingCols. We don’t publish a section-by-section profile.
Vuelta a España history
The ski resort opened in 2001 and the Vuelta arrived the following year: Santiago Blanco won (2002). Since then the winners have been Félix Cárdenas (2004), Danilo Di Luca (2006), Dan Martin (2011), Ben King (2018) and David Gaudu (2020). On that November 7, 2020, Primož Roglič lost time, but he kept the red jersey and won the Vuelta by 24 seconds over Carapaz.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s a ski resort: there’s snow at the top in winter. Go from May to October and expect strong wind on the final section. Traffic is light except on weekends during ski season. There’s a fountain past the Béjar train station; after that, nothing, so start with both bottles full. The other side, from Becedas, is 9.9 miles (16 km) at 5.4%.
What gearing to use
For the last 2.5 miles (4 km) you need a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 4.3 mph (7 km/h) on 13%: with a 34x32 that’s about 53 rpm. The first part is fine in middle gears. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- The first 9.9 miles (16 km) are for eating and drinking; don’t ride them flat out.
- Check the wind forecast: with a headwind, the finish feels endless.
- Bring a wind jacket for the descent, even if it’s hot in Béjar.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb La Covatilla from Béjar?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 23 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 38 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 05 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 part of La Covatilla?
The last 2.5 miles (4 km), from the cattle fence above La Hoya: a sustained 13% with peaks above 15%, with no shade and lots of wind.
Who won at La Covatilla in the 2020 Vuelta?
David Gaudu. Roglič lost time that day, but kept the red jersey and won the Vuelta by 24 seconds over Carapaz.