From the bridge over the Miera river at Los Barrios, by La Pedrosa (1,178 ft / 359 m), to the Collado de la Espina at Los Machucos (3,009 ft / 917 m) it’s 3.2 miles (5.2 km) at an average of 10.8%: 1,831 ft (558 m) of climbing. Altimetrias.net gives 3.2 miles (5.15 km) and 1,831 ft (558 m), and Climbfinder 3.2 miles (5.2 km) and 1,834 ft (559 m), with the worst 330 ft (100 m) at 17.5% and nine hairpins.
What the climb is like
The turnoff is on the CA-260, between Liérganes and San Roque de Riomiera, at km marker 15.8: a junction with hardly any signs. About 660 ft (200 m) later is the bridge that marks the start. The first few yards are grooved concrete and then it’s all asphalt, although the surface is rough in the second kilometer. The grade is high from the start and barely drops below 10% anywhere, with ramps above 15%. The road is narrow, unsigned, and serves Calseca, an isolated hamlet in the Pas valleys. The first two kilometers have shade; after that there are no trees.
History
The Vuelta a España came to Los Machucos in 2017 and 2019. In 2019 Tadej Pogačar won, still in his first grand tour. On the other side, from Bustablado, Wikipedia mentions ramps of up to 28% over a few yards.
When to go, water and traffic
Spring to fall. It’s an area of frequent rain and fog, and on wet pavement the ramps are treacherous. There’s almost no traffic, just the odd farmer, and livestock roam free. There’s only one fountain, halfway through the second kilometer, next to a house in Calseca.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg) you’ll average about 5.2 mph (8.4 km/h): with a 34x32 that’s about 63 rpm, and much less on the 15% ramps. If you’re below 3 W/kg, fit a 34x34 or lower. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ignore the average: almost the whole climb is above 10%.
- Watch out for livestock and cow pats on the road, especially on the descent.
- For a full day, pair it with Peña Cabarga, less than an hour away by car.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Los Machucos?
From La Pedrosa, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 37 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 44 min at 2.5 W/kg and 28 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of Los Machucos should you ride?
There are two paved sides. The La Pedrosa side (Miera valley) is 3.2 miles (5.2 km) at 10.8%. The Bustablado side is longer, about 5.4-5.5 miles (8.7-8.9 km), but the sources don't agree on its elevation gain (2,257 or 2,461 ft / 688 or 750 m).
Who has won at Los Machucos?
The Vuelta finished here in 2017 and 2019. In 2019 Tadej Pogačar won, in his first Vuelta.