The Principality of Asturias is a true paradise for cycling lovers, whether on mountain bikes or road bikes. Its rugged terrain is full of high mountain roads that offer challenging routes and stunning scenery far from the urban environment. Among the most iconic climbs for cyclists are the Alto del Naranco and the dreaded Angliru, both featured in multiple editions of the Vuelta Ciclista a España.
However, Asturias has other equally spectacular climbs, perfect both for those seeking a challenge and for cycle tourists who want to enjoy the surroundings. One of the most impressive passes is La Cubilla, considered by many to be the most beautiful climb in the region. Its progressive profile and 28 kilometers of ascent make it an essential route for any cyclist who wants to test their endurance, whether with a lightweight road bike or a sturdy mountain bike for those seeking a more versatile experience.
Key facts about the Puerto de La Cubilla:
- Distance: 28 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 1,300 meters
- Start: Campomanes (Asturias)
- Ideal bikes for climbing this pass
If you're looking for a challenging route in a spectacular setting, La Cubilla is one of the best options to enjoy cycling in Asturias.
Where is it located
The Natural Park of Las Ubiñas–La Mesa is located in the center of the Cantabrian mountain range, bordering the province of León to the south. It is an area that alternates beech-filled forests with rugged peaks over 2,400 meters high. It is the habitat of a wide range of wildlife, from wolves, foxes, and deer to capercaillies, eagles, and vultures. A paradise for nature and mountain lovers. From the cyclist's point of view, we can find legendary climbs such as La Cobertoria (with its different sides, each making the climb feel completely different), the San Lorenzo pass (one of the toughest in Asturias), the Pajares pass (with its climb to Cuitu Negru, the highest point of the Pajares ski resort), Gamoniteiru, or the beautiful Cubilla, which is the climb we analyze in this post.
The climb from Campomanes
This mountain pass, almost 28 kilometers of ascent and 1,300 meters of elevation gain, begins in the village of Campomanes. However, the first kilometers are a false flat of 9 kilometers at 1% and 2% until reaching the village of Los Pontones. From there, things change and we will encounter the first ramps at a 10% gradient, then continue at averages of 5% and 6% enjoying areas of beech, oak, and chestnut trees, and suffering from asphalt in quite poor condition (which has led to continuous complaints from locals for years) until reaching Tuiza. From Tuiza, we take a right turn towards the final kilometers of the pass. Here we will again encounter some 10% gradients and gradually leave the trees behind as the valley opens up, allowing us to see the summit and enjoy views that will make the rest of the climb a continuous delight. From this point on, we will ride on slopes between 5% and 9%, as this pass is very consistent and without steep gradients (so trendy lately in La Vuelta a España), until reaching the last 3 kilometers. In this final stretch, we find the hairpin bends so characteristic of this pass, which may have some gradients close to 10%, but nothing harder than what we've already climbed. Finally, we will crest at 1,683 meters of altitude right on the border between Asturias and León, with incredible views. On one side we have the Parque de las Ubiñas-La Mesa and on the other the Parque Natural de Babia y Luna.
What you should keep in mind before climbing
If you decide to take on this climb, there are some details you should consider when planning your route.
Hydration: you have water fountains in the villages
Remember that this is a 28-kilometer climb and it is obviously long. Depending on your level, it can be 2 hours of climbing, so it is important to stay properly hydrated and take advantage of the water fountains you will find in the villages of Los Pontones, Riospaso, or Tuiza.
Road: the asphalt is in poor condition
Despite complaints from local residents and cycling clubs, the asphalt on most of the climb is in poor condition. With the arrival of La Vuelta in the 2019 edition, they repaired 2 kilometers between Riospaso and Tuiza and another section higher up, but it is still insufficient for such a beautiful climb as this one.
The descent: watch out for neck pain
28 kilometers of descent is very long. And if we add the poor condition of the road to that, the descent can become a rather tough time on the bike. The body in general and the neck in particular tend to suffer on this descent. So, a stop halfway to enjoy the views and rest is not a bad option. Without a doubt, this is a climb that is more enjoyable going up than going down.
Asturian food to crown the route
A good option to enjoy La Cubilla could be to start from Pola de Lena, where we’ll have about 5 kilometers of flat terrain (well, more of a false flat, since this is Asturias) until we reach Campomanes. This stretch, along with the 9 kilometers to Los Pontones, is enough to warm up and avoid any unpleasant surprises during the climb. From there, we head to the summit and then return the same way so that the route totals about 70 kilometers. And if you want to have a perfect day, you can go eat delicious homemade Asturian food at Casa María. From the summit, the alternatives are to ride along dirt roads, which can take you to Pajares or San Emiliano.
Rating of the pass
This pass could be considered the antithesis of the typical Asturian climb, because with its length, those steady slopes, such an open valley, and those final curves, it looks more like an Alpine pass than a characteristic Asturian one. For all these reasons, cyclists from this autonomous community have considered it, along with Lagos de Covadonga, one of the most beautiful passes in the Asturian cycling paradise for years.
Tuvalum Team
