La Morcuera (Miraflores)

Climb Description

Puerto de la Morcuera is one of the classic cycling climbs in the Madrid region. It has been used over twenty times in the Vuelta a España, and often comes late in the race making it a potentially decisive climb. Riders to crest the pass first have included Richard Virenque and Dan Martin; however, it is probably most well known for its role in the 2015 edition, when Fabio Aru broke away from Tom Dumoulin to take a decisive overall lead on the penultimate stage of the race.

The climb from Miraflores de la Sierra is very steady, with moderately challenging gradients. It never gets excessively steep though and so is possible to get into a comfortable climbing rhythm.

Puerto de la Morcuera is open throughout the year, subject to weather. Short term closures are common in winter following snow.

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