Asturias, Spain · from Covadonga
Lagos de Covadonga
Lagos de Covadonga is the Vuelta a España's most storied summit finish, climbing from the Covadonga sanctuary to the glacial lakes of the Picos de Europa. The gradient is irregular — hard ramps like La Huesera broken up by flatter sections — which makes steady pacing difficult.
How fast would you climb Lagos de Covadonga?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Lagos de Covadonga and the Tour
First climbed in the 1983 Vuelta a España, Lagos de Covadonga is to the Vuelta what Alpe d'Huez is to the Tour de France. Pedro Delgado made his name here in 1985, and Marino Lejarreta won a famous solo victory in heavy rain.
Primoz Roglič set the fastest modern Vuelta record on the Covadonga ascent in 2021, soloing to victory in 38:40 from the sanctuary gate to Lake Enol.
38:40 for the 14 km climb from Covadonga sanctuary to Lake Enol during Stage 17 of the 2021 Vuelta.
Riding it yourself
When to go
June to September. Access for motor vehicles is restricted during peak summer, making early morning rides peaceful and traffic-free.
Base & logistics
Base in Cangas de Onís or Covadonga village. The descent down La Huesera requires good braking surface and dry tarmac.
FAQ
How long is the Lagos de Covadonga climb?
From Covadonga, the climb is about 10.9 km with roughly 880 m of elevation gain at 8.1% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Lagos de Covadonga?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Lagos de Covadonga?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 7 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.