For those cyclists seeking high-demand challenges, choosing the right event can be complicated due to the saturated calendar of events. However, the Puertos de Somiedo Classic is one of those rides that is hard to resist. Held in the heart of the Somiedo Natural Park, this cycling tour stands out for its stunning scenery, impeccable organization, and the toughness of its route. It is a challenge that every lover of mountain bikes or road bikes will not want to miss. Like other competitions in Asturias, such as the Lagos de Covadonga Cycling Tour or the La Cubilla Cycling Tour, the Puertos de Somiedo Classic has established itself as one of the most important events on the region's cycling calendar, becoming a unique experience for cyclists looking to challenge themselves.
The setting: in the Somiedo Natural Park
This cycling tour takes place in the heart of the first Asturian area declared a Natural Park back in 1988. It is a paradise among mountains and beech and oak forests, with spectacular sites like the Saliencia Lakes or the Lago del Valle. A true tourist attraction for those who want to enjoy pure nature and one of the must-see places on any visit to Asturias.
The challenge: four legendary mountain passes
This non-competitive ride (although timed in the final part) is usually held every year towards the end of August. Starting in Pola de Somiedo and finishing at La Farrapona, the course profile leaves little doubt. As simple and as complex as climbing four mountain passes in 120 kilometers and more than 3,300 meters of accumulated elevation gain. The start is in Pola de Somiedo and almost without time to warm up, you start climbing the Somiedo pass. Twelve neutralized kilometers with very steady gradients averaging 7%, to enter the province of León and ride together to the first feed station in San Emiliano.
Puerto Ventana
After the feed station, we will begin to climb the Ventana pass from the south side, undoubtedly the easiest side of this pass. It is 6 neutralized kilometers on a wide road with an average gradient of 6%, to reach the summit and enter Asturias again, where we will enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of the ride: the 20-kilometer descent of the Ventana pass with closed traffic until reaching San Martín de Teverga. The typical winding Asturian road among trees, a privilege for any cycling enthusiast.
Puerto San Lorenzo
At the Teverga feed station there will be a regrouping and from here on out, every man for himself! The timed section to the finish begins. For the one writing, this is the toughest climb of this Classic and one of those that gives us Asturians the most trouble: the San Lorenzo pass. It's an 11-kilometer ascent with an average gradient of 8%. But don't let that fool anyone, as the first half of the climb has nothing to do with the second half. We'll start with slopes of 2-3% that will rise to 6-7% when we reach Villanueva. There we will encounter the first ramps at 12%, and after a brief respite, we'll face the last terrible 5 kilometers, in which this pass won't give us a meter of rest. The gradients won't drop below 10% and there will be peaks of up to 16%. To all these numbers (which are already scary enough), you have to add the possible heat, since this is a very wide and open road pass, with no trees to protect us from those hot days (as was the case in the 2019 edition), doubling the toughness of this colossus.
La Farrapona
At 1,708 meters above sea level, La Farrapona is the third highest road in Asturias, behind Gamoniteiru and Cuitunigru. It has been the stage finish of La Vuelta on several occasions, with stages that won't be easily forgotten, such as the one in 2011 where Wiggins barely managed to keep the leader's jersey (which he would lose the next day in L’Angliru), or Contador's attack on Froome to seal the 2014 Vuelta. The climb begins at the Malva reservoir junction; here we can decide whether we want to climb it or call it a day and follow the road towards Pola de Somiedo, and in 2 kilometers we'll be at the start. If we decide to finish the challenge, we have almost 19 kilometers ahead to overcome about 1,100 meters of elevation gain—no joke. In the first kilometer, we'll find the last feed station to regain some strength (if there's any left to be found at this point), and from here it's the slow countdown of kilometers left to summit and finish this challenge. We face a very irregular climb in terms of gradients, where apart from a small descent and a slight false flat, it always gets harder. To conclude this essential Asturian ride, we have about 6 kilometers with gradients around 10%, where the trees will start to disappear and the wind may well appear.
End of the party
Upon reaching the finish line at La Farrapona, there will be refreshments to recover, our change of clothes (if you want a change of clothes at the finish, you must give it to the organization when picking up your race number), and best of all... We will have great views of León and Asturias. Remember that you shouldn't fartucase (fill up) too much at the finish line refreshment station, since in the afternoon in Pola de Somiedo there will be a final espicha for the participants where there will be food and drink, while sharing the hardships and exploits of the day, which is what we all really like to do, isn't it?
Tuvalum Team
