Los Machucos is one of the steepest roads in Spain (31%)
Spain, europe
14.1 km
880 m
hard
Year-round
# Los Machucos: Spain's Most Brutal Mountain Pass
Ready to test your limits? Los Machucos in Cantabria is the kind of climb that makes even seasoned cyclists question their life choices. Sitting at 880m (2,887ft) elevation, this beast features some of the steepest gradients Spain's Vuelta race has ever thrown at competitors—we're talking grades that hit 31% at their nastiest.
Located in the northern Cantabrian Mountains, just east of Collado de la Espina, this 14.1km (8.76 miles) stretch connects San Roque de Riomiera to Bustablado. The road itself is paved, but here's the kicker: the most intense sections? Pure concrete, built between 2003 and 2007 to handle the punishment.
Fair warning: the climb is relentless. It's literally uphill the entire way, and at certain points, you're practically riding straight up a massive rock face. Most of the year you'll find the pass open, but winter throws its own challenges—expect occasional closures when weather gets serious.
The reward at the summit? A quirky metal cow sculpture called the Monumento a la Vaca Pasiega, a perfect spot to catch your breath and marvel at the Cantabrian landscape stretching out below. It's weird, it's wonderful, and honestly, it's the kind of road that sticks with you long after your legs stop burning.
Where is it?
Los Machucos is one of the steepest roads in Spain (31%) is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.0463, -4.4208
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 880 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.0463, -4.4208
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