From Tejedo de Ancares (3,156 ft / 962 m) to the Puerto de Ancares (5,472 ft / 1,668 m) it’s 4.9 miles (7.9 km) at an average of 8.9%: 2,316 ft (706 m) of climbing on the LE-4211, the road that crosses the Sierra de Ancares from El Bierzo toward Galicia. Altimetrias.net gives 7.92 km and 2,316 ft (706 m); Climbfinder, 4.7 miles (7.6 km) and 2,228 ft (679 m), with the worst 100 m at 19%.
What the climb is like
The profile starts at a small bridge next to an old mill, just before Tejedo. The first 1.2 miles (2 km) are straight, partly shaded and gentle: they’re for warming up. Soon you can see the road clinging to the mountainside far above, and that’s where the final five kilometers begin, some of the hardest in Spain: grades above 10% with hardly a break, ramps close to 20% and seven hairpins. At the top the landscape is open, treeless high mountain.
Before Tejedo you’ll already have climbed the Puerto de Lumeras if you’re coming from Vega de Espinareda, and from Candín there are a little over 2.5 miles (4 km) that tilt uphill.
History
The Vuelta a España has climbed Ancares several times. According to CyclingCols, the first riders over the top have been Dani Moreno (2011), Joaquim Rodríguez (2012), Alberto Contador (2014), on the penultimate stage of the Vuelta he went on to win, and Michael Woods (2024).
When to go, water and traffic
May to October: in winter snow often closes the road. Traffic is almost nonexistent. There’s a fountain at the Tejedo picnic area, next to the Magdalena chapel, and another around kilometer 5 (mile 3.1), right in the hard part. It’s a very remote area: bring food and tools.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg) you’ll average about 6.2 mph (10 km/h): with a 34x32 that’s about 74 rpm, but on the 15% ramps you’ll drop below 60. If you’re short on strength, fit a 34x34. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride the first two kilometers very easy: the real climb starts after that.
- Drink at the kilometer 5 fountain if it has water; there’s nothing at the top.
- Bring a windbreaker: the top is open and the descent gets cold.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Puerto de Ancares?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 48 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 57 min at 2.5 W/kg and 36 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where is the hardest part of Ancares?
In the last five kilometers (3 miles) from Tejedo. The first two are gentle; after that the grade stays above 10% for long stretches, and Climbfinder measures 19% on the worst 100 m.
What gearing do you need?
A 34x32 or 34x34. At 3 W/kg you'll average about 6.2 mph (10 km/h), but on the 12-15% sections your speed drops to 3.7-4.3 mph (6-7 km/h).