La Cobertoria (Lena)
Start Town | Altitude | Elevation Gain | Length | Gradient | Difficulty | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pola de Lena | 1,179m | 865m | 9.7 km | 8.9% | 897 | **** |
Climb Description
La Cobertoria has made regular appearances in the Vuelta in recent years. It has never been used as the final climb, but has consistently softened the legs before even more challenging stage finishes such as Angliru, La Farrapona or, for the first time in 2015, Ermita de Alba. It's steep gradients have taken their toll on many riders, sapping their strength before the grand finale.In terms of scenery, La Cobertoria is pleasant and an enjoyable climb, without being truly spectacular. On a clear day there are pleasant views into the Unbiña Natural Park (home to a very small population of brown bears), and you will also see many cows and horses lining the slopes.
La Cobertoria is open throughout the year.
Roads & Traffic
The road is in excellent condition throughout. It is wide, with sweeping bends and very few hairpins which, combined with its gradient, make for a very fast descent on either side.
There is little traffic on the climb throughout the whole year.
There is a third way to La Cobertoria on very narrow roads beginning in the small village of Lindes to the south. This is a nice climb with gentle gradients, but it is more difficult to include in a longer ride than the two main sides. It is perfectly fine for riding on a road bike though if you would like to try something different.
El Cordal
Angliru
Puerto de Pajares
Gamoniteiro
La Cubilla
Ermita de Alba
Puerto de San Lorenzo
Puerto Marabio
You can find out more information below about this and similar tours that we run in high mountains.
There is little traffic on the climb throughout the whole year.
Alternative Routes
La Cobertoria is also commonly climbed from the west, starting in Santa Marina.There is a third way to La Cobertoria on very narrow roads beginning in the small village of Lindes to the south. This is a nice climb with gentle gradients, but it is more difficult to include in a longer ride than the two main sides. It is perfectly fine for riding on a road bike though if you would like to try something different.
Nearby Climbs
El Cordal
Angliru
Puerto de Pajares
Gamoniteiro
La Cubilla
Ermita de Alba
Puerto de San Lorenzo
Puerto Marabio
Cycling Holidays
La Cobertoria is climbed on our Great Climbs of the Vuelta cycling holiday.You can find out more information below about this and similar tours that we run in high mountains.